Bangladesh Industry Employment
Employment in industry SL.IND.EMPL.ZS
Bangladesh's industry employment was 18.03% in 2025, ranked 74th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Bangladesh's industry employment stood at 18.03% in 2025, a rise of +0.14% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 17.78% by 2026. Bangladesh ranked 74th globally.
Bangladesh’s share of the labour force employed in industry stood at 18.03 % in 2025, ranking it 74th globally, a modest rise from 17.18 % recorded in 1991. The indicator reached its all‑time high of 20.79 % in 2013, reflecting the rapid expansion of manufacturing and textile sectors during that decade, before retreating to a low of 12.53 % in 1996 amid structural adjustments. Over the 35‑year coverage period the share has generally trended upward, narrowing the gap with peers such as Myanmar (18.16 % in 2025) and Norway (17.84 %). The sustained increase is linked to policy incentives for export‑oriented factories and a growing domestic market, while periodic setbacks have coincided with global demand shocks and energy shortages. Continued investment in industrial diversification and infrastructure upgrades will be crucial to sustain the upward trajectory and prevent a reversal of the recent gains.
Data & projection
| Year | Industry Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 17.66% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 17.72% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 17.78% | - | - |
| 2025 | 18.03% | +0.14% | #74 |
| 2024 | 17.89% | +0.27% | #73 |
| 2023 | 17.63% | −0.34% | #74 |
| 2022 | 17.97% | −0.33% | #80 |
| 2021 | 18.30% | −0.67% | #84 |
| 2020 | 18.97% | −0.83% | #91 |
| 2019 | 19.80% | −0.25% | #102 |
| 2018 | 20.05% | −0.37% | #104 |
| 2017 | 20.42% | −0.04% | #109 |
| 2016 | 20.46% | −0.02% | #107 |
| 2015 | 20.48% | −0.06% | #106 |
| 2014 | 20.54% | −0.25% | #104 |
| 2013 | 20.79% | +0.36% | #108 |
| 2012 | 20.43% | +0.40% | #104 |
| 2011 | 20.03% | +0.37% | #97 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bangladesh matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2020. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw industry employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bangladesh's industry employment was 18.03% in 2025. Ranked 74th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
Bangladesh's industry employment peaked at 20.79% in 2013.
The lowest industry employment in Bangladesh was 12.53% in 1996.
Bangladesh ranks 74th globally in industry employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.IND.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bangladesh's industry employment is projected to reach 17.78% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The industry employment of Bangladesh in 2025 was 18.03%. This ranks 74th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bangladesh_industry-employment,
title = {Bangladesh Industry Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bangladesh/industry-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}