Bangladesh Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Bangladesh's youth unemployment was 9.39% in 2025, ranked 63rd globally. This represents a 3.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Bangladesh's youth unemployment stood at 9.39% in 2025, a rise of +0.29pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.45% by 2026. Bangladesh ranked 63rd globally.
Bangladesh’s youth unemployment rate has risen to 9.38 % in 2025, placing the country 63rd in the world according to World Bank data. This figure follows a pronounced surge that peaked at 13.47 % in 2020, after a gradual climb from the all‑time trough of 6.04 % recorded in 1991, marking a 35‑year span of volatility. The recent level is comparable to that of the United States, which stands at 9.34 %, and slightly lower than Peru’s 9.45 %, suggesting Bangladesh now shares a similar labour‑market pressure with advanced economies despite its lower income status. The post‑2020 increase reflects pandemic‑related disruptions, structural mismatches between education and market needs, and limited formal job creation for young workers. Continued investment in vocational training, digital skills, and private‑sector linkages could moderate the upward trajectory, while any slowdown in global growth or domestic policy shifts may exacerbate the challenge.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 5.74% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 6.60% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 7.45% | - | - |
| 2025 | 9.39% | +0.29pp | #63 |
| 2024 | 9.10% | +1.19pp | #59 |
| 2023 | 7.91% | −3.08pp | #48 |
| 2022 | 10.99% | −1.74pp | #82 |
| 2021 | 12.72% | −0.75pp | #78 |
| 2020 | 13.47% | +1.73pp | #78 |
| 2019 | 11.74% | −0.16pp | #90 |
| 2018 | 11.91% | −0.19pp | #88 |
| 2017 | 12.10% | +1.15pp | #83 |
| 2016 | 10.96% | +0.40pp | #74 |
| 2015 | 10.56% | +0.44pp | #66 |
| 2014 | 10.12% | +0.45pp | #68 |
| 2013 | 9.67% | +1.14pp | #64 |
| 2012 | 8.54% | +1.11pp | #56 |
| 2011 | 7.43% | +1.14pp | #38 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bangladesh matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2020. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bangladesh's youth unemployment was 9.39% in 2025. Ranked 63rd globally. This represents a 3.2% increase from the previous year.
Bangladesh's youth unemployment peaked at 13.47% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Bangladesh was 6.04% in 1991.
Bangladesh ranks 63rd globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bangladesh's youth unemployment is projected to reach 7.45% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Bangladesh in 2025 was 9.39%. This ranks 63rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bangladesh_youth-unemployment,
title = {Bangladesh Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bangladesh/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}