Cause and Impact of Unemployment on Graduates: A Study on Govt. Colleges and Public Universities in Bangladesh

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the causes and consequences of graduate unemployment in the Noakhali District of Bangladesh. For this study, primary data were collected from 17 unemployed graduates through purposive sampling and semi-structured interview schedules. The study identified several key factors behind unemployment, including corruption and lobbying, oversupply of graduates, insufficient technical education, outdated curricula, a lack of essential skills, limited employment opportunities, inadequate work experience, unclear job preferences, and the absence of job specialization. The study highlighted that the significant psychological, social, and financial impacts of unemployment include stress, depression, frustration, deteriorating family relationships, and loss of self-esteem. Graduates, particularly those from middle and lower-middle-class families, reported mental health challenges due to prolonged unemployment and societal pressures. The study highlighted a significant gap between academic training and labor market demands, particularly in technical and soft skills. The study recommends comprehensive reforms, including updating curricula, promoting technical and vocational training, fostering collaboration between industry and academia, and encouraging entrepreneurship. Addressing these systemic issues is vital to reducing unemployment and ensuring the employability of graduates in Bangladesh.