Paper Short Abstract:

In my presentation, I would like to present the situation of young Bangladeshis who face the difficult realities of the labor market in their country. During the field research, many of them shared with me their stories about the difficulties of work and daily life.

Paper Abstract:

Contemporary Bangladesh exposes young people entering the labor market not only to the uncertainty of finding a job, but also to high competitiveness and low wages. Such conditions particularly affect young unskilled people to whom the country's capital appears as a dream come true and a chance for a better life. The strong ties that are maintained in Bangladeshi families indicate an obligation to parents and siblings to support and help with the hardships of daily life. This obligation puts additional pressure and burden on young people who, being unaccustomed to urban life, must face not only the cultural weight of the situation, but also the hardships of living in a big city. However, this situation is faced by less educated people from poorer families. Low wages allow them to live modestly and, not infrequently, live in apartments shared among many people. These conditions make their biggest dream to leave such a life and go abroad in search of happiness and well-being.

In my speech, I would like to present the situation of young people who travel to Dhaka from the agricultural areas of Bangladesh to improve the living situation for themselves and their families. I would like to focus on the conditions of their lives, work, salaries, but also on the dreams and aspirations that drive them.