More than three decades after the establishment of private universities in Bangladesh, questions are emerging about whether these institutions are effectively preparing graduates for the workforce. Yusuf Mahbubul Islam, Vice Chancellor of Southeast University, highlighted concerns around the readiness of graduates to meet industry demands during a recent job fair.
To assess the skills gap, 35 employers were surveyed at the Southeast University Job Fair in 2026. The feedback revealed significant deficiencies in graduates’ practical abilities and professional preparedness. Employers noted that many students lack career awareness and suffer from a disconnect between theoretical knowledge and real-world problem solving. Additionally, companies stressed that universities rarely offer platforms for students to explore career options or understand the expectations of the job market.
Industry representatives called for greater engagement by providing career talks and outlining job requirements to students directly on campus. According to the survey results, employers are seeking graduates who possess strong communication skills, professional conduct, a positive attitude, and a commitment to continuous learning. Technical competence, confidence, and an awareness of career opportunities were also cited as essential attributes. Successful candidates should also demonstrate adaptability to organizational culture and the ability to responsibly use digital and AI-enabled tools from the outset of their careers.
The findings raise important questions about the focus of universities on improving global rankings. While institutions strive to climb metrics such as QS and THE rankings, concerns remain as to whether these efforts translate into better employment outcomes for graduates. Islam suggested that rankings alone may not adequately reflect a university’s effectiveness in producing job-ready professionals.
He urged the Education Ministry and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to take a more active role in monitoring graduate employability. Proposed measures include requiring universities to report employment and entrepreneurship rates annually and setting minimum benchmarks to hold institutions accountable for workforce readiness.
Current government policy imposes taxes on private universities’ surplus funds, but Islam argued that redirecting support through incentives could better cultivate entrepreneurship and job creation. He also emphasized the importance of investing in faculty development since instructors and administrators are key to nurturing student capabilities.
Such reforms, if implemented, could enhance the employability of graduates, promote entrepreneurship, and ultimately reduce unemployment in Bangladesh, yielding broader economic and social benefits.