DHAKA, June 30, 2026 (BSS) - The government's move to establish "Employment Exchanges" at district and upazila levels marks a major step towards creating a fair and merit-based employment system aimed at connecting job seekers with opportunities while bridging critical skill gaps.
 
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to revitalize sectoral and regional economies and expand employment opportunities nationwide, according to the national budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27). 

Under the programme, Employment Exchanges will be established at both district and upazila levels, creating a localized infrastructure for job matching and skill development. 

The offices will function as hubs where registered candidates will receive support for appointment to vacant positions in various organisations based on their merit and skills.
 
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, in his budget speech in Jatiya Sansad on June 11, underscored the government's emphasis on employment generation as a key pillar of national development. 

"Based on the principle of 'We Will Work, We Will Build the Nation', the implementation of sector-based employment generation plans is one of the topmost priorities of the government,” he said.
 
The minister added, “Our government's commitment is to create extensive new employment opportunities across the country, thereby ensuring prosperity and self-reliance for every family."
 
The proposed exchanges are designed not only to connect job seekers with available vacancies but also to bridge the gap between labour market demand and workforce capabilities.
 
According to the budget speech, candidates who do not possess the skills required for available positions will be referred to appropriate training centres through the exchanges. 

The objective is to help them acquire suitable competencies and improve their prospects for employment.
 
The government has already started formulating the necessary action plans and policy framework to operationalise the programme and establish a systematic link between employment services and skill development.
 
Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, the finance minister said: "To establish a fair and merit-based employment system, the government has undertaken an initiative to establish 'Employment Exchange' program at the district and upazila levels across the country.”
 
He continued, “Registered candidates here will be provided with the necessary support for appointment to vacant positions in various organizations, based on their merit and skills."
 
The initiative is also intended to extend employment services beyond major urban centres. The programme includes targeted outreach for marginalised groups, including rural communities, homemakers and the long-term unemployed, reflecting the government's effort to ensure broader participation in economic activities.
 
The Employment Exchange programme complements wider employment objectives outlined in the FY27 budget. 

The government has set a target of creating 200,000 new jobs annually in the technology sector while generating 800,000 indirect employment opportunities through training in freelancing and creative industries at college and university levels.
 
To support these goals, the government plans to expand technical and vocational training in areas such as information and communication technology (ICT), robotics and artificial intelligence to help students become workplace-ready.
 
The budget also proposes a startup fund allocation of Tk 500 crore for FY27 to support young and women entrepreneurs in the information technology sector.
 
Highlighting the broader economic vision underpinning the initiative, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said: "Our economic strategy places macroeconomic stability, investment promotion, production expansion, employment creation, and, above all, economic justice at its core. We seek to democratise economic opportunities across society, enabling us to harness the Demographic Dividend."
 
With the formulation of policy frameworks and implementation plans already underway, the district and upazila-level Employment Exchanges are expected to become a key mechanism for linking employment generation, skills development and inclusive economic participation across the country.