Bangladesh: Over a Million Applicants Vie for Just 312 Government Jobs
A staggering 1.2 million job seekers recently applied for only 312 vacant positions as Union Social Workers in Bangladesh’s Department of Social Services. This means nearly 4,000 candidates are competing for every single job. The overwhelming response highlights the fierce competition for public sector employment across the country.
The Union Social Worker is a Grade-16 government post. While the minimum qualification required was a Higher Secondary Certificate, a significant number of applicants hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees. These workers are responsible for preparing beneficiary lists for government welfare programs, including allowances for the elderly, widows, and people with disabilities. They also help distribute these benefits.
Government jobs offer attractive benefits. A Union Social Worker’s basic monthly salary starts at Tk9,300, along with housing, medical, and other allowances. There are also proposals for significant salary increases in the future. The stability, regular income, and social prestige of a government role make it highly desirable.
Analysts say this surge in applications points to a severe shortage of jobs and high unemployment among educated youth. Bangladesh’s Labour Force Survey shows that one in three unemployed individuals is a university graduate. Many highly educated people struggle to find work in other sectors.
This extreme competition is not unique to the Department of Social Services. Recently, 17 out of 18 office assistants appointed in the Pabna Deputy Commissioner’s Office held university degrees, far exceeding the minimum requirement of a Secondary School Certificate. They chose these entry-level government positions despite their higher qualifications.
Nationwide, about 522,000 government posts are currently vacant. Despite these openings, the competition for specific roles remains intense. For 18 “Head Assistant” positions, over 114,000 candidates applied, meaning more than 6,300 people vied for each spot.
Experts explain that government service offers unparalleled job security, regular salaries, and pensions, making it a highly appealing choice compared to the often volatile private sector. While some warn about corruption in the recruitment process, the aspiration for a stable career remains strong.
Each year, around 2 to 2.2 million young people enter Bangladesh’s job market. With reforms in the private sector progressing slowly, many educated youths dedicate years to studying for government recruitment exams, hoping to secure a safe and respected future.
