In Bangladesh, the Honours and Masters education system is often seen as a big hope for young people. But in reality, it has turned into a cycle of wasted time, money, and effort. Instead of preparing students for real jobs or skills, the system pushes them into unnecessary degrees, leaving many frustrated and unemployed. Experts believe that without urgent reform, this education “circus” will damage the future of an entire generation.
The Burden of Honours and Masters
In Bangladesh, most students spend four years completing an Honours degree. Generally, people believe that finishing Honours is enough to enter the job market. However, due to the lack of opportunities, many students are forced to pursue master’s just to stay competitive.
The real purpose of master’s should have been research and knowledge development, but in many cases, that purpose has disappeared. Instead, it has become only a way to avoid unemployment.
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The Biggest Mockery – BCS Examination
The most painful example is the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination. Every year, around five lakh candidates apply, but only about two thousand get jobs. The exam includes many unnecessary and irrelevant questions that have nothing to do with future job responsibilities.
“সবচেয়ে বড় মশকরা হলো বিসিএস পরীক্ষা।”
Translation: “The biggest mockery is the BCS exam.”
This shows that instead of selecting the most qualified candidates, the BCS system works more like an elimination machine.
Why the State Fails the Youth
The government often hides its own failures by creating this kind of structure. Instead of taking responsibility, the system makes young people feel that they themselves are failures.
In reality, government jobs cover only 5% of the total job market in Bangladesh. So, the big question is: where will the remaining 95% of young people go?
A Flood of Universities Without Purpose
The government is rapidly setting up new universities and colleges. But most of these institutions have no real connection between education and the job market. This only creates degree-holders with little practical skill.
Middle-class family mentality is also partly responsible. Many parents and students believe:
“যেভাবেই হোক একটা চাকরি পেতে হবে, বেতন ১৫ হাজার হলেও চলবে।”
Translation: “No matter what, we must get a job, even if the salary is just 15,000 taka.”
This thinking traps young people in a cycle of low pay and frustration.
A Costly Circus of Education
The so-called Honours and Masters system has now turned into a circus, wasting both time and money. The country needs research-based policies to rethink higher education.
In advanced countries like the United States, students carefully think before enrolling in university. They ask themselves: “Will this investment really help me in the future?”
The Need for Skills, Not Just Degrees
Bangladesh must shift its focus from memorization-based education to skill-based training. This would allow young people to create their own opportunities, start businesses, or work as skilled professionals abroad.
Though some skill development programs exist, they are still too limited.
Changing the Mindset – Moving Beyond Compulsory Degrees
The most important step is to remove the idea that every student must complete Honours and Masters. Currently, 65% of the population in Bangladesh is of working age. This is the “population dividend.” But this opportunity will last only for about 15 years.
After that, the country will face the burden of an ageing population. A young person who is 25 today will be 40 in the future. Without skills, they will only become a burden on the state.
Bangladesh must reform its education and employment system now. If the creativity and skills of young people are not used properly, the nation will push the next generation towards failure.
Source: Rajib Hasan
