Youth Unemployment and Underemployment in Rangpur: Dimensions, Causes, and Policy Implications

Authors/ Publisher: Shaifuddin Khaled

Abstract:

Although the youth labor force in Bangladesh has been growing rapidly, youth unemployment and underemployment are already a matter of concern. The country may be ready for tapping into the demographic dividend, but many youngsters face hurdle after hurdle in entering the labor market and getting jobs. The problem is crucial, and this study assesses its extent, causes, and remedies in Rangpur. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the study. A sample of 407 rural and urban young people in Rangpur for primary data was selected using stratified random sampling, while qualitative data were collected through KIIs and FGDs. The quantitative analysis employed the logistic regression model. Youth unemployment in rural areas (42.7%) was higher than in urban areas (31.1%), the study revealed. Additionally, the study shows that underemployment (36.75%) is high among youth. Based on the surveyed data, age, sex, training, job-searching intensity, internet access, and the place of residence contribute highly towards youth unemployment in the district. According to experts and FGDs data, besides lack of required skills, weak coordination of educational qualifications and job market needs, unrealistic job expectations, limited networking, dependency on agriculture, lack of job security, and lower industrialization altogether led to higher unemployment among youth. The study suggests enhancing vocational training programs, promoting youth entrepreneurship through financial support, strengthening industrial-academia ties, and implementing regional industrialization to improve employment conditions. Rangpur can make effective use of its demographic dividend by addressing the above issues, ensuring job creation for the youth in a sustainable and meaningful way.

Keywords: Youth Unemployment; Underemployment; Logistic Regression; Rangpur

JEL Classification: J64, J23, J24, R11