Employment Opportunities in the Islamic Education System: The Case of Bangladesh

Abstract

The study seeks to explore the experiences of the graduates of the 2002-2003 batch of the department of Islamic Studies at the University of Dhaka on the 15-year employment paths and skill matching. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data was combined with quantitative data. Quantitative data was collected with an online questionnaire (n=84) and qualitative insights taken from semi-structured interviews (n=13). The findings indicated that though 96% of graduates are employed, but a majority work in sectors unrelated to their Islamic Studies specialization. And only 26% said that, their current jobs required an Islamic Studies degree. Most of the respondents expressed significant skill gaps, particularly in English proficiency, ICT competencies, and communication skills. As a result of these skill gaps their career prospects was constrained and alignment is limited with contemporary labor market demands. This research revealed that there is an imminent necessity of curriculum convergence in the region of Islamic education in Bangladesh, which should pursue the incorporation of outcome-based curriculum, better industry-academia collaboration, and specific skills development programs. Overcoming these obstacles, Bangladesh may have a better prospect of utilizing the intellectual and moral capital of its Islamic Studies graduates for the socio-economic development of the country.