District-level employment exchanges to link jobs and skills across Bangladesh

District, upazila-level Employment Exchanges planned to connect jobs with skills across Bangladesh

The government is set to establish Employment Exchanges at the district and upazila levels as part of a major initiative to create a fair, merit-based employment system that links job seekers with opportunities while addressing skills shortages across the country.

The programme, outlined in the proposed national budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27), is part of a broader strategy to stimulate regional and sectoral economies and expand employment opportunities nationwide.

Under the initiative, Employment Exchanges will serve as local hubs for job placement and skills development. Registered candidates will receive assistance in securing vacancies in public and private organisations based on their qualifications, merit and skills.

Presenting the budget in the Jatiya Sansad on June 11, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury identified employment generation as one of the government's highest priorities.

"Based on the principle of 'We Will Work, We Will Build the Nation', the implementation of sector-based employment generation plans is one of the topmost priorities of the government," he said.

"Our government's commitment is to create extensive new employment opportunities across the country, thereby ensuring prosperity and self-reliance for every family," he added.

Beyond facilitating recruitment, the Employment Exchanges are intended to bridge the gap between labour market demand and workforce capabilities.

According to the budget proposal, job seekers who lack the skills required for available positions will be referred to appropriate training centres through the exchanges. The aim is to equip them with the competencies needed to improve their employability and better meet labour market demands.

The government has already begun preparing the necessary policy framework and implementation plans to operationalise the programme and establish a stronger connection between employment services and skills development.

Explaining the initiative, the finance minister said the government had undertaken the programme to establish a transparent and merit-based recruitment system across the country.

He said registered candidates would receive the necessary support to secure appointments to vacant positions in various organisations based on their merit and skills.

The initiative also seeks to extend employment services beyond major urban centres by reaching underserved communities. Special attention will be given to marginalised groups, including rural residents, homemakers and the long-term unemployed, as part of the government's effort to promote more inclusive participation in economic activities.

The Employment Exchange programme complements broader employment targets outlined in the FY27 budget.

The government aims to create 200,000 new jobs annually in the technology sector while generating another 800,000 indirect employment opportunities through freelancing and creative industry training at colleges and universities.

To support these goals, technical and vocational education will be expanded in fields such as information and communication technology (ICT), robotics and artificial intelligence to prepare students for future labour market demands.

The proposed budget also earmarks Tk 500 crore for a startup fund to encourage young and women entrepreneurs in the information technology sector.

Highlighting the broader economic vision behind the initiative, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government's strategy centres on maintaining macroeconomic stability, promoting investment, expanding production, creating employment and ensuring economic justice.

He said the goal is to democratise economic opportunities across society and fully harness Bangladesh's demographic dividend.

With policy formulation and implementation planning already underway, the district and upazila-level Employment Exchanges are expected to become a key pillar of Bangladesh's employment strategy by linking job creation, skills development and inclusive economic growth.