For years, millions of workers in Bangladesh have kept daily life running—fixing machines, stitching clothes, wiring homes—yet remained invisible in the formal economy. They worked without certificates, without recognition, and often without fair pay. Now, that reality is beginning to change.
A government-led certification initiative is bringing long-overdue recognition to workers in the informal sector, validating skills gained through years of hands-on experience. The move is not only reshaping domestic employment but also opening new doors for migrant workers.
Panna, a garment worker from Savar, shared her experience with TIMES of Bangladesh. She had worked as an operator’s helper for a long time, earning around Tk8,000. After receiving a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Level 2 certificate, she secured a promotion as a woven sewing machine operator. Her salary has since doubled to around Tk16,000.
The Accelerating and Strengthening Skills for Economic Transformation (ASSET) project in Bangladesh, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Technical and Madrasa Education Division, offers free Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification to workers with informal experience. Through this process, they can obtain officially recognised certificates endorsed by the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) or the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB).
Under the RPL system, workers can now prove their skills through a three-day practical assessment. Many who once went abroad with low wages due to lack of formal qualifications are returning to obtain certification—gaining better pay and career advancement opportunities in the process.
So far, 79,190 individuals have earned certificates by demonstrating their skills. Many have improved their income and social standing, not only through employment but also via self-employment.
To bring informal professions—largely outside any wage structure—into the formal labour market, the government has introduced free practical examinations and certification under RPL. Successful candidates also receive a special allowance.
The need for such recognition is stark. A Labour Reform Commission report from the interim government shows that while 58 professions in the formal sector have minimum wage structures, no such framework exists for informal occupations.
An official from the National Skills Development Authority noted that workers like motor mechanics, electricians and plumbers often lack formal recognition despite years of experience. Many acquire skills that surpass those of certificate holders but remain underpaid.
Certification, the official said, would ensure both recognition and fair financial value for their labour.
According to the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), around 85 percent of Bangladesh’s workforce operates in the informal sector, without minimum wage protection or social security. Addressing this gap remains critical for sustainable economic growth.
To tackle this, the Accelerating and Strengthening Skills for Economic Transformation (ASSET) project is working through the National Skills Development Authority to formalise skills and improve income prospects.
The Directorate of Technical Education has set a target to bring 123,000 skilled workers from 52 professions under certification by 2026. Already, around 80,000 individuals across 365 institutions have received orientation and certification.
Rabindranath Mahat, deputy project director of ASSET, said “The initiative aims to provide national recognition to individuals who lack formal education but have long worked successfully in their fields.”
“Through this process, they can obtain certificates equivalent to different academic levels based on their skills” he added.
Certification follows a structured process. Each level takes three days—two days of orientation and one day of practical assessment. Internationally, completing six levels can lead to a diploma-equivalent qualification. In Bangladesh, certification currently goes up to Level 4, while Levels 5 and 6 remain under development.
A source from ASSET project said motorcycle servicing has so far reached only Level 1 certification, as many workers lack the literacy required for higher levels. Level 2 certification is underway in electricity and welding, while Level 3 covers plumbing and sewing-related trades.
Md Sabuj Alam, deputy project director of ASSET, said “Workers in non-traditional sectors often build strong skills over time but remain trapped in low-income roles due to lack of recognition. Many spend their entire working lives earning minimal wages under others.”
He said farther mentions “Government, with World Bank support, is working to ensure that these workers receive proper social and economic recognition.”
“The government aims to ensure proper valuation of skilled workers across all sectors,” he added, noting that migrant workers are also returning home to obtain RPL certification, which is helping them secure better opportunities abroad.
As Bangladesh moves to recognise skills beyond classrooms, a quiet transformation is underway—one where experience earns its rightful value, and millions in the informal sector begin to step into the formal economy with dignity and fair pay.
