A robust investment in early-childhood and long-term care services is poised to transform Bangladesh’s socio-economic landscape, dramatically reduce gender disparities, and unlock millions of decent employment opportunities over the next decade.
Strategic investments in the care economy, particularly in early-childhood education and long-term care services, possess the unprecedented potential to generate more than 7.0 million new jobs in Bangladesh by the year 2035.
According to recent data unveiled at the National Care Conclave 2026 held in Dhaka on Friday, the breakdown of these anticipated employment opportunities reveals a comprehensive boost across multiple sectors. More than 2.0 million direct jobs are expected to emerge in childcare alone, alongside a 3.0 million roles dedicated to long-term care. Furthermore, the ripple effects of this booming sector are predicted to create approximately 2.0 million indirect jobs in various non-care industries, acting as a catalyst for widespread national economic growth.
The groundbreaking statistics were shared by Anne Drong, the national project coordinator at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Presenting her keynote paper titled “Investing in Care: Unlocking Bangladesh’s Economic and Social Potential”, Drong emphasized the urgent need for structural investments.
This transformative projection highlights an evolving economic frontier where social welfare intersects with massive job creation.
The day-long National Care Conclave was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the ILO, UN Women, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the Ministry of Social Welfare. The gathering discussed way to chart a strategic path forward to develop a national care economy supported by a robust policy framework, decent work opportunities, and strong care entitlements.
A Triple Win for Society, Women, and the Economy
The dialogue surrounding the care economy is fundamentally tied to the pursuit of gender equality. UN Women Bangladesh Country Representative Gitanjali Singh passionately articulated that the chronic undervaluing and deeply gendered division of care work – both paid and unpaid – remains one of the most significant drivers of gender inequality in the country. By shifting the paradigm, investing in care systems becomes a “triple win” that simultaneously benefits women, society as a whole, and the broader macroeconomic environment.
Singh noted that when the burden of “time poverty” on women is alleviated through accessible care services, a significantly higher number of women can enter and sustainably remain in the formal labour market. She said that beyond immediate employment metrics, substantial financial commitments to the care sector are expected to yield long-term developmental dividends. These include profound advancements in human development, improved public health outcomes, accelerated poverty reduction, and an overall enhancement in the well-being of societies.
Bridging the Gender Employment and Pay Gaps
The statistical models presented at the conclave offer a highly optimistic outlook for the future of women in the Bangladeshi workforce. According to Drong’s keynote presentation, dedicated investment in a comprehensive care policy package could shrink the gender gap in employment rates by an impressive 6.0 percentage points. This targeted intervention is projected to elevate the overall women’s employment rate to 44.1 per cent by 2035, marking a substantial increase from the 35.5 per cent recorded in 2019.
Equally significant is the anticipated impact on wage parity. The gender pay gap, a persistent issue in the national labour market, could see a remarkable reduction of 7.2 percentage points in monthly earnings. If the proposed frameworks are successfully implemented, the pay disparity could plummet from 9.0 per cent in 2019 to a mere 1.8 per cent by 2035. To realize these figures, experts emphasise the necessity of reforming and modernising current care policy frameworks, alongside heavy investments in skills development, formal certification of care workers, and the strict regulation of care services.
From Private Burden to Public Priority
Government officials at the conclave demonstrated a strong commitment to integrating care policies into national economic planning. Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain declared that empowering women is no longer just a social goal, but a “macroeconomic necessity.” He stressed the importance of redefining care work as a shared societal responsibility rather than an invisible workload borne exclusively by women, thereby unlocking the full potential of the national workforce.
Echoing this sentiment, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin advocated for the formal recognition of the care economy as a cornerstone of national development. By positioning care services as a top public priority, the sector can be transformed into a dignified, professionalised field.
Max Tunon, ILO Bangladesh Country Director, reinforced this vision, stating that shifting care from a private responsibility to a matter of public policy is the key to unlocking an engine for gender equality and prosperity.
Building a Robust and Sustainable Care Framework
Ensuring the long-term viability of these projected jobs requires a holistic policy approach. Nasheeba Selim, principal social development officer (gender) at the ADB, highlighted the necessity of a “continuum of care policies.” Such frameworks guarantee that both men and women can equally participate in the labour force while balancing their respective domestic responsibilities. Because childcare and long-term care constitute the bulk of household duties, robust state-backed services are critical to giving children the best early start in life while providing income security for families.
Selim pointed out that structured care environments empower parents to maintain consistent employment participation. This stability is crucial in preventing vulnerable households from slipping into poverty during life transitions or unexpected economic downturns.
Tackling Challenges: Stigma, Cost, and Regulation
Despite the immense potential, the journey toward a thriving care economy in Bangladesh is fraught with systemic hurdles. Speaking at a panel discussion, Social Welfare Secretary Mohammad Abu Yusuf candidly addressed the roadblocks hindering progress. He identified pervasive social stigma surrounding caregiving and nursing professions as a major barrier to attracting talent. Additionally, Yusuf said, the high cost of accessing quality services, the geographical distances many citizens must overcome to receive care, and a massive gap between current supply and demand further complicate the landscape.
Crucially, Yusuf highlighted the absence of a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee the sector. While Bangladesh boasts numerous progressive laws on paper, the chronic issue remains their effective, ground-level implementation. Yusuf said that overcoming these challenges will require concerted, cross-ministerial coordination and an unwavering commitment to enforcing standards that protect both care workers and the populations they serve.
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