Bangladesh’s education system, rising unemployment and the growing frustration among educated young people have been identified as some of the factors behind the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, according to a recent analysis.
The argument is that during Hasina’s 17-year rule, the country witnessed a significant increase in SSC, HSC, honours and master’s degree pass rates, but this expansion was not matched by improvements in educational quality or employment opportunities.
Allegations of widespread corruption and political influence within educational institutions also contributed to concerns about the standard of education. In many institutions, politically affiliated teacher groups allegedly formed powerful networks, creating difficulties for teachers who did not share their political views.
The criticism suggests that the government focused heavily on increasing the number of graduates and promoting higher literacy rates, while failing to ensure that students acquired the practical knowledge, research experience and professional skills needed in the job market.
As a result, thousands of graduates entered an increasingly competitive employment market with high expectations but limited opportunities.
The growing dependence on government jobs became another major concern. Many young people believed that securing a government position was the most reliable way to achieve financial stability and improve their social standing.
The intense competition for public-sector employment highlighted the scale of the problem. According to the figures cited in the analysis, between 400,000 and 500,000 candidates competed for approximately 2,000 to 2,500 positions in Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examinations. Similarly, around 200,000 applicants reportedly competed for government recruitment opportunities involving just 20 vacancies.
This extreme competition created widespread frustration among job seekers, many of whom spent years preparing for examinations without securing employment.
The situation became even more contentious during the quota reform movement. Many students believed that reducing recruitment quotas would increase their chances of obtaining government jobs in an already highly competitive environment.
The analysis further argues that corruption and allegations of bribery in public-sector recruitment reinforced the perception that government employment offered opportunities beyond regular salaries, including financial advantages linked to abuse of power.
For many young graduates, however, the reality was different. They invested years in education and job preparation but remained unemployed, creating a growing sense of disappointment and uncertainty about their future.
Student-led protests eventually became a major force in the political crisis that led to Sheikh Hasina’s departure from power in August 2024. The quota reform movement played a significant role in mobilising young people and bringing broader public dissatisfaction to the forefront.
The broader lesson, according to the analysis, is that increasing examination pass rates and distributing academic certificates cannot be considered sufficient measures of national development.
A sustainable education system must prioritise academic standards, practical skills, research opportunities and employment generation. Without these elements, a growing number of graduates may face limited career prospects and increasing economic frustration.
The fall of Hasina’s government has therefore been presented as an example of how accumulated public dissatisfaction, including frustration over education and employment, can develop into a major political movement.
Note: The claims and figures in this article reflect the arguments presented in the supplied text and have not been independently verified.
Reporting by Admin for The Borderless Journal. Filed under Uncategorized · 01 Nov 2026, 12:00.
