ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the key dimensions of Bangladesh’s labour market including the macro trends in employment and issues of ‘jobless growth’, female labour force participation, persistence of informality and the apparent failure of industry (manufacturing) to absorb more labour. It also focuses on the implications of the current labour market trends for future of work and the impact of technological change on employment in Bangladesh. In view of the structural transformation and associated uncertainties, the policy recommendations highlight the need for support to workers and their families and for promoting formal employment through manufacturing and tradable services that can attract women labour. The regulatory frameworks need to adapt to provide adequate protection and security to all workers, particularly to women workers and those in informal sector, while recognising the need for flexibility in different types of enterprises. These efforts will have to be sustained to ensure that more labour can access decent and productive employment, which will go a long way towards achieving inclusive development in Bangladesh.
