TITLE:
A Comparative Statistical Analysis of Unemployment Rate in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka: Evidence from Unemployment, Youth Unemployment, and Gender Disparities
AUTHORS:
Shihan Miah, Bhairavi Premnath
KEYWORDS:
Higher Education, Unemployment Rate, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Comparison
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.16 No.9,
September
20,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study presents a comparative statistical analysis of employment and unemployment dynamics in Bangladesh and Srilanka using annual labour market data from 2009-2024. While overall unemployment rates are statistically similar, Srilanka demonstrates significantly higher youth unemployment and a wider gender disparity. Various statistical test results confirm persistently elevated female unemployment in both countries, alongside disproportionately high youth unemployment relative to national averages. The findings point to structural skill mismatches, labour market rigidities, and weak academia-industry linkages as key drivers of graduate unemployment. The study underscores the need for education reform, enhanced employability skills, and stronger institutional coordination, contributing valuable insights to South Asian labour market research.