In a landmark move to strengthen Bangladesh’s labor market intelligence, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has launched the country’s first ever Labor Demand Survey, designed to fill a critical knowledge gap on employers’ workforce needs and help shape future employment, training and skills development policies.
The survey — conducted in partnership with the International Labor Organization (ILO) — covers 2,000 industrial establishments nationwide that employ more than 10 workers. Data collection took place between October and November last year, and BBS officials said processing of the information is now underway, with findings expected to be released by June 2026.
For decades, Bangladesh’s employment statistics have primarily focused on supply-side data — detailing workforce characteristics, employment status, and unemployment rates. However, systematic demand-side information on what skills and occupations employers actually need has been lacking, often leaving policymakers and educators without a clear picture of labor market dynamics.
Economists and industry analysts have welcomed the initiative, saying it will provide vital insights to better match education outputs with market requirements, reduce youth unemployment risks, and help government craft targeted training programs. “Understanding which sectors are creating jobs and the skills employers require is essential for aligning human capital development with growth strategies,” said a senior economist.
The survey aims to generate detailed labor demand statistics across seven priority sectors identified by BBS: Textiles, Ready-made garments (RMG), Leather and leather products, Pharmaceuticals, Accommodation and food services, Information and communication technology (ICT) and Financial and insurance activities
These sectors represent a mix of Bangladesh’s traditional strengths — such as RMG, the country’s largest export earner — and emerging areas like ICT and financial services. By mapping labor demand by occupation, firm size, skills requirements and gender, the survey will help reveal both current shortages and future opportunities.
