The least explored world of employment

Pulok and his wife, both professionals in Bangladesh's corporate sector, face a common urban dilemma. Pulok resides outside Dhaka, while his wife works at a bank in the capital. Both have ageing parents with chronic health issues and a young child. To manage their responsibilities, they've employed a nanny for their child and a part-time nurse for their parents. This arrangement is becoming increasingly common among Bangladeshi families, especially as more young people migrate abroad for education and employment. Many expatriates express concern over their elderly parents' well-being; suggesting the need for reliable caregiving solutions.

Pursuing generalised degrees from national universities and colleges has been the standard career path for many students in Bangladesh. However, with the evolving local and global job markets, there's a pressing need to reconsider this approach. The caregiving sector with roles such as nurses, baby caregivers, and pet caregiverspresents a promising alternative.

Countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan are actively seeking foreign caregivers to address their growing needs in the healthcare and eldercare sectors. In Australia, there are thousands of caregiver job listings, with positions offering visa sponsorship, reflecting a significant demand for qualified professionals. Canada has a robust system for hiring foreign caregivers, with programmes that provide pathways to permanent residency for those meeting specific requirements. Japan, facing an ageing population, has implemented the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) programme to attract foreign caregivers, offering opportunities for employment and cultural exchange.

If Bangladeshi youths want to make it in this career globally they need to improve their language proficiency and get specialised training. These are critical for success in these roles. Proficiency in English is essential for Australia and Canada, while Japanese language skills are necessary for working in Japan. Training programmes that focus on caregiving skills, cultural orientation, and language acquisition are vital.

Several institutions, government-backed and private, offer courses and degrees tailored to this profession. Some of them are as follows- Caregiver Institute of Bangladesh (CIB) which offers a General Caregiving course (Level 2) with 360 hours of theoretical and practical training. Then there is eSheBee Enterprises which provides a three-month advanced caregiving course, blending online and offline learning.There is also the SIMEC Institute of Technology that offers Level 2 and Level 3 caregiving courses, with durations ranging from eight to 24 weeks, accommodating both regular and accelerated schedules. These programmes emphasise practical skills, including vital sign monitoring, first aid, basic nursing, and specialised care for the elderly and children.

The caregiving profession is gaining recognition from large corporations. Institutions like UCEP Bangladesh and MetLife Foundation's 'Aponjon' programme aim to train and certify caregivers, empowering underprivileged youths, women, and persons with disabilities. These initiatives provide professional certification recognised both locally and internationally, enhancing employability in hospitals, institutions, and private care services. Moreover, organisations such as BRAC and the Acro Caregiving Training Centre offer specialised training courses, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to meet the growing demand for caregivers.

Caregiving roles in Bangladesh typically involve eight to 12-hour shifts. Entry-level salaries start around Tk 12,000 and can increase to Tk 25,000 with experience. Internationally, caregivers can earn significantly higher wages. For instance, in Japan, caregivers from Bangladesh can expect monthly salaries exceeding Tk 100,000, with employers often covering migration costs.

The domestic demand for caregiving services is poised to grow substantially. As of early 2025, Bangladesh's population stands at approximately 175 million. Of this, about 7.0 per cent are aged 65 and above, amounting to roughly 12 million individuals. This segment is expected to expand rapidly in the coming decades. Simultaneously, the increasing participation of women in the workforce underscores the need for reliable childcare services. Many working mothers require assistance in caring for their young children, especially in urban areas where extended family support may be limited. This dual demand from the elderly and working mothers presents a significant market opportunity for caregiving services.

To understand the real-world implications of a caregiving career, the writer spoke with two Bangladeshi women who have pursued this path: Shirin Akter, 28, Dhaka, says that after finishing her HSC, she joined a caregiving programme at CIB. The training covered everything she needed to know, and she quickly found work with a local elderly care company. The job demands long hours and constant attention, but she takes pride in knowing her efforts support her family's needs.

Rinat Begum, 32, Chittagong, chose a short course in child caregiving and now holds two shift-based positions. Balancing those shifts is tough, yet running her own schedule and helping working parents gives her real satisfaction.

When asked what helps them excel, both highlighted three qualities: humility to honour those they care for, patience to stay calm in difficult moments, and attention to detail to ensure every task is done correctly.

Beyond employment, caregiving offers entrepreneurial avenues. Establishing nursing services or daycare centres in urban areas like Dhaka, Chattogram and other metro cities can be lucrative, given the growing demand for such services. Countries like the Philippines, India, and Vietnam have successfully trained and exported caregiving professionals. Bangladesh can emulate these models by investing in training programmes and facilitating international placements.

To capitalise on global opportunities, the Bangladeshi government should take several steps:

expanding training programmes to increase the number of institutions offering accredited caregiving courses, facilitating language training to provide language courses for countries with high caregiver demand, and streamlining overseas employment to simplify processes for caregivers seeking international employment.

Investing in these initiatives would prepare Bangladesh's workforce to meet global standards, opening doors to international job opportunities and strengthening the country's role in the global caregiving industry. Moving away from broad, generalised degrees toward focused caregiving training can empower workers, lower unemployment rates, and bolster the healthcare sector worldwide. Achieving this shift demands a coordinated effort from individuals, educational institutions, and the government to build a skilled, ready workforce.

tasnimazer02@gmail.com