36% of job seekers depend on relatives, friends for employment, says BBS study

By the end of 2024, the number of unemployed individuals aged 15 or above in Bangladesh has reached 2.6 million

A significant portion of Bangladesh’s job seekers, particularly youth, turn to family and friends for help when seeking employment, according to a survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

The Labour Force Survey 2024 report reveals that 35.80 percent of job seekers request assistance from their relatives or friends. Newspaper advertisements are the second most common job search method, with 25.80 percent of unemployed individuals using them. Another 9.70 percent of job seekers apply directly to relevant organisations.

The report also shows that applying directly to companies is more common in urban areas. While 8.80 percent of job seekers in rural areas use this method, the rate is higher at 11.80 percent in urban areas.

By the end of 2024, the number of unemployed individuals aged 15 or older has reached 2.6 million.

Previously, BBS followed the 13th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS) for unemployment data.

It now follows the 19th ICLS guidelines, leading to a variation in unemployment figures.

Under the 13th ICLS, the number of unemployed individuals is higher, totalling 2.73 million by the end of 2024.

The distinction arises from the different criteria for “employment” under both ICLS versions, with the 19th ICLS excluding self-consumption production.