The Private University Paradox: Dreams vs Reality in Bangladesh
Are Bangladesh's private universities delivering on their promises? Investigate the dreams sold versus the reality graduates face in today's job market.
Shimmering Promises: Private universities in Bangladesh dazzle students and parents with promises of vast opportunity—glossy brochures speak of world-class education, international exposure, and lucrative jobs awaiting graduates. Yet, as families invest heavily, often borrowing against their life savings, the grandeur quickly dissolves post-graduation.
The Jarring Disconnect: With tuition costs averaging Tk 0.6 million, the reality slowly dawns that bright dreams may become dimmed hopes. Graduates, emerging into the job market with starting salaries as low as Tk 25,000, need two years to just recoup tuition, without considering living expenses and other essentials.
Voices from the Ground: Graduates like Tanbin and Ariyan voice shared frustrations. “Even the top private universities fail to equip us for the job market,” they lament, underscoring a curriculum detached from industry needs. The Financial Express
A Harsh Economic Lesson: Data paints a grim picture: 48% of surveyed graduates remain jobless within a year, and those employed earn merely Tk 15,000-Tk 35,000 monthly. Amid mounting financial strain, families question the wisdom of exhaustive educational investments.
Rethinking the STEM Safety Net: Parents traditionally hedge their bets on science and engineering degrees for perceived security, but the oversaturation in tech fields forces graduates to pivot careers or pursue uncertain ventures abroad.
Freelance Shift: With limited formal jobs, freelancing isn’t just an option—it’s becoming the norm, embracing both innovation and necessity.
An Overdue Educational Revamp: Private universities must reassess their strategies. Proposals include integrating practical internships, collaborating with industries for curriculum relevance, and enabling transparent educational outcomes reporting.
Facing the Reality: Without urgent reforms, such as curriculum updates and industry alignment, Bangladesh risks cultivating a cohort of underemployed graduates. Families deserve a tangible return on educational investments that align with economic realities. This silent crisis calls for coordinated action, protecting dreams from becoming disillusionment.
As stated by The Financial Express, comprehensive reform in higher education is not just necessary; it’s urgent. Stakeholders must converge toward creating pathways that genuinely deliver promised futures—where education is not merely a fanciful brochure, but a gateway to real-world success.
