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DHAKA: Bangladeshi students braved bullets to overthrow an autocratic government, but six months after the revolution, many say finding a job is proving a harder task than manning the barricades.
Dhaka University student Mohammad Rizwan Chowdhury’s dreams of ample opportunities for youth have been badly dented, saying he had seen little action from the caretaker government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus.
“I can’t see any fruitful initiatives taken by the government so far,” Chowdhury grumbled, a 25-year-old student who took part in the protests that drove autocratic ex-leader Sheikh Hasina into exile on August 5.
Unemployment was a key driver of protests last year. Since the revolution, it has only grown worse.
At the end of September 2024, the number of people seeking employment in the country of 170 million hit 2.66 million, a six-percent increase from 2.49 million the year before, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
The International Monetary Fund warned in September that economic activity had “slowed markedly, while inflation remains at double-digit levels,” with tax revenues down while spending pressures had increased.
For many, the euphoria of Hasina’s ouster is fading.
Chowdhury said that while Yunus handed cabinet posts to student leaders, he felt demands were being ignored.
“Although our representatives are part of the administration, I’m not sure whether our voices are being heard,” the political science graduate said.
Literature graduate Shukkur Ali, 31, scrapes by on odd jobs to support his elderly and sick parents.
“I do anything and everything just to cover the bare minimum,” he told AFP, adding that newspaper job advertisements have dried up.
“I used to apply only for white-collar jobs in educational institutions or banks — but failed,” he said.
“Now, anything is good for me. I just want a job.”
Independent analyst Zahid Hussain, 71, former lead economist at the World Bank in Dhaka, said that around a third of the working labor force are “underemployed doing whatever jobs they can to pay the bills.”
Bangladesh’s economy grew dramatically after its independence in 1971.
That was largely due to its textile industry producing global brands in a multi-billion dollar business as the world’s second-largest garment exporter.
But jobs outside the crowded clothing factories for university graduates are far fewer.
Educated Bangladeshis make up 87 percent of those without work, according to BBS figures.
The government says it is making every effort to address the issue.
Shafiqul Alam, Yunus’ press secretary, said robust tax generation would allow the government to invest in the public sector and create a “huge” number of jobs.
“Ensuring better revenue collection is a priority, as the previous government left behind a broken economy,” Alam said.
But Yunus, an 84-year-old microfinance pioneer, is also swept up in what he calls the “extremely tough” challenge of restoring democratic institutions ahead of elections slated for this year or early 2026.
Those reforms include an overhaul of the constitution and the public administration to prevent a return to autocracy.
“The interim government is preoccupied with managing the mess they inherited,” said Hussain, adding there were only “sporadic attempts” to support the youth, such as hiring students to assist traffic police.
“The administration isn’t functioning at full speed,” he said. “I’d rate them 50 out of 100.”
Challenges are daunting.
“The public sector can recruit no more than 20,000 to 25,000 graduates, while around 700,000 graduates leave colleges each year,” said AKM Fahim Mashroor, chief of popular online job site Bdjobs.
The private sector provides around 85 percent of jobs, but there is little optimism there either.
“Both the public and private sectors have been slow in recruiting since August 5,” he added.
And the unrest has spooked investors.
Bangladesh’s central bank says foreign investment between July and November 2024 was $177 million — less than a third of the $614 million secured under Hasina’s iron-fisted rule during the same period the previous year.
Taskeen Ahmed, president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the government should roll out programs to support young job-seekers including “loan schemes for youth to start businesses.”
Some like Subir Roy, a 31-year-old finance graduate who was nominated to a government job only for it to be rescinded without reason, said it was already too late for him.
“My father sold a small piece of land to send me to university... now I’m returning home empty-handed,” Roy said.
“I’ll join my father in the paddy field.”

RIYADH: Parea Greek Brasserie, newly opened at the Hilton Riyadh Olaya, aims “to present Greek cuisine in a way that respects tradition but also embraces innovation,” head chef Garnaras Giorgos tells Arab News. 

“Parea offers a unique experience, not only through the stunning scenery and view but also through my personal take on Greek cuisine. I bring flavors and memories from across Greece — from Cyprus to the Zagori mountains and northern Greece. What I aim to offer my guests is a taste of my journey, along with a deep appreciation for Santorini, where I spent five years learning to respect nature and use exceptional ingredients.” 

The Greek chef says his grandfathers were his first mentors. “I vividly remember when I was four, standing alongside both my grandfathers — Panayioti and Yiorgo (whom I was named after). They were showing me how to prepare a whole lamb on the spit for our family celebrations. It’s a cherished memory I’ll never forget,” he explains. 

“I’ve been in love with food since a very young age, and that passion is the main driving force behind my career,” he adds. 

Here, he talks to Arab News about his time in ��������Ƶ, his top tip for amateur chefs and his management style. 

What has it been like living and working in ��������Ƶ so far? 

Having lived in various countries, what stands out most to me here is the sense of safety. I’ve never felt more secure. I’m still taking time to integrate into the local culture, which I deeply admire. I make it a point to explore new places in my free time. 

What’s your top tip for amateurs? 

Focus on using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. When you cook with what’s available at the right time of year, the results will always be delicious. 

What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish? 

Love! When you cook with love, the food is guaranteed to be full of flavor and soul. 

When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?  

I try to simply enjoy the moment and savor the flavors. I focus on the positives and appreciate the effort that goes into the dish, rather than being overly critical. 

What’s your favorite cuisine to order?  

It really depends on my mood. I can go from street food to a fine dining experience — I’m always eager to try something new. 

What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home? 

Trahanas — a traditional Greek hearty soup. It’s quick, healthy and full of flavor. I actually make my version of it at Parea. 

What customer request most annoys you? 

I’m usually able to accommodate any request. The key is understanding the guest’s needs and finding a way to deliver. 

What’s your favorite dish to cook and why? 

There’s no one particular dish — I love the ones that bring back memories, especially those with a story behind them. So I’d say anything hearty with personal significance. 

What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right? 

The whole quail. It’s a dish that always presents a challenge — but it’s also an opportunity to perfect my technique. 

Pare

Relaxed? Quite the opposite! While we do have our fun moments, when it’s busy there’s no room for democracy in the kitchen. It’s all about precision, teamwork and getting the job done efficiently.