In the race to secure a brighter future, many Bangladeshi families find themselves entangled in the glittery web spun by private universities. These institutions promise brilliant education, overseas studies, and lucrative employment, but once the ceremonial caps have been thrown in the air, realities shatter these dreams. According to The Financial Express, the mismatch between promise and outcome is a crisis that requires immediate intervention.
Shattered Dreams and Rising Debt
Average tuition costs hitting Tk 0.6 million and starting salaries hovering around Tk 25,000 showcase the financial strain gripping families. Imagine investing life’s savings into your child’s future only to see them struggle to repay that investment. A computer science graduate named Tanbin echoes the frustration, noting the gap between academic promises and industry readiness.
Underemployment: A Grim Reality
Job statistics reveal a bleak picture: nearly half of the graduates can’t secure formal employment in their first year. Entry-level salaries often fall well below expectations, pushing some into starting small businesses or opting for freelancing out of necessity. This desperation underscores the systemic flaws in the current educational landscape.
The High Cost of ‘Safe’ Choices
Parents hold onto the belief that technical fields guarantee job security. However, market saturation means even science and engineering graduates face fierce competition. The once-safe havens of engineering and computer science are now overcrowded, leaving many graduates considering career shifts or pursuing opportunities abroad.
Freelancing: A New Horizon or a Last Resort?
As the employment market fails to absorb the influx of new professionals, freelancing has surfaced as an alternative path. This shift is both a testament to youthful resilience and a commentary on an economy that cannot provide enough formal roles. In this context, freelancing combines necessity with new-age adaptability.
Bridging the Gap: A Call for Reform
Transforming these challenges into actionable change calls for better alignment between educational programmes and the job market. Universities must initiate reforms—like embedding work placements within curricula and forging partnerships with industries. Ensuring accountability and relevance will render education not just an expenditure but an investment in true potential.
Bold steps now could prevent further erosion of trust in the Bangladeshi higher education system. Without meaningful reform, families will continue sacrificing financial stability for degrees that fail to meet their promises. The journey ahead requires thoughtful collaboration between academic, private, and governmental sectors, a crucial step to safeguard the dreams of an aspiring generation.
