Every year as the month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair begins, a large number of youths including students of colleges and universities get an opportunity to work at various stalls and pavilions to gather practical job experience along with earning some money.
On this occasion, dozens of companies and business houses offer part-time jobs to college and university students for a month.
Thousands of students get scope to earn some money to make themselves self-reliant and self-confident as well as competent for their career ahead.
Organisers said it is a great opportunity for the students to simultaneously gather experience and earn some money. They said students work in international trade fairs, which is a positive sign for the corporate sector. EPB officials estimated that almost 2,000-2,500 students get employed on a temporary basis in the fair.
While talking to Bangladesh Post, many pavilions-in-charge said the financial packages offered by companies are lucrative and rewarding as well.
A student earns Tk 500 to Tk 2,000 per day at the fair, they said.
Mosleh Uddin, Pavilion-in-change of Partex Furniture, said, “Scores of students have got part-time jobs as Uddinme while others are working to meet their financial needs.”
Rony Molla, Pavilion-in-change of Minister, said his company recruited about 10 students in their pavilion.
They offer attractive payments with other facilities, which help students gather practical experience and earn money, he said.
Asked, several part-timers said things are exciting here as they come into contact with millions of visitors at the trade fair as a career launch pad.
They get scope for making contacts with high-profile people and companies for their future work after successfully completing their studies.
Many students go abroad for higher studies and do part-time jobs there. If they get scope at home, there is no need for going abroad, they said.
They further said the government alone cannot ensure part-time jobs for all students, so industrialists should come forward with employment opportunities.
Mominul Islam Joy, who studies BBA at Savar Government College, has got a tempting job at the trade fair at Minister Pavilion.
He told Bangladesh Post, “I’m enjoying working here. I have seized this chance to reinforce my network with others which will help me get my desired job on completion of my studies.”
Rakibul Islam is a student of philosophy at Dhaka College. He said, “I’ve gathered some experience in building communication skills from my job here.”
“At the same time, I’ve got a chance to earn some money which will help me meet my academic as well as personal expenses,” he added.
“As I’ve a semester break now, I’ve no problem working here,” he said.
“I’ve learnt some technical know-how and good teamwork. As a student of marketing, it’s part of our studies,” he said.
Soumily works for Walton. She said, “I’m studying Management at Eden College. I’m happy to be here. Earning aside, my experience is a plus to get a permanent job.”
In this regard, economists said, “Like in other developed countries, part-time employment should be introduced in Bangladesh too. Business houses and the government should work together to this end.”
They said Bangladesh has only 19 years left to graduate into a developed country by 2041. Existing $2824 per capita income must be more than $12,000 to materialise the dream.
This means per capita income must be increased by nearly four times from the current level.
Economists said it is not impossible to achieve the target but it is a difficult task. The government should do this with a combined effort.
The foremost task ahead is to ensure jobs for all students after completing studies to make the country a developed one.
They said the government should ensure attractive jobs for students to help them gain hands-on experience.
Experts said many students are interested in working part-time which is positive for the national economic growth.
However, it is not significant compared to other developed countries like the United States, they noted.
They said the government can encourage agencies to recruit students as part-timers by giving them incentives like bank loans or some other facilities.
“An annual award for the highest recruiter of students can also be introduced to motivate other employers,” an economist said.
He further said students can do part-time jobs which are already existing including in restaurants, hotels, super malls and hospitals. Students also should come forward willingly for part-time jobs.
