How Bangladesh Is Rebuilding Lives of Youth and Migrants Through the RAISE Program

Bangladesh, a country propelled by a dynamic population, faces a dual challenge rooted in its labor market structure. With approximately 85% of employment situated in the informal sector, marked by low wages, poor job security, and minimal protections, millions remain trapped in economic precarity. Youth unemployment is particularly concerning, as young people are expected to comprise half of the country’s working-age population by 2028. Equally pressing is the plight of returning migrant workers. Around one million Bangladeshis seek employment abroad each year, lured by the prospect of earning three to four times more than at home. But this path is often costly, requiring large loans or life savings. The COVID-19 pandemic shattered this fragile dream, forcing hundreds of thousands of workers to return with mounting debts, social stigma, and no clear reintegration path. In response to these converging crises, the Government of Bangladesh, supported by the World Bank and with technical contributions from the Partnership for Economic Inclusion (PEI), launched the Bangladesh Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment (RAISE) project. With $200 million in International Development Association (IDA) funding, RAISE was designed as a transformative intervention to empower low-income urban youth and returning migrants.

Empowering Returnees Through Targeted Support

At the heart of RAISE lies a comprehensive, human-centric approach tailored to meet the unique needs of returning migrants. Over 140,000 returnees have registered at 31 new district welfare centers established under the project. These centers are more than administrative nodes, they serve as holistic support hubs offering counseling, psychosocial first aid, one-time cash transfers, and referrals to training programs. The model recognizes that returning home is often not a triumphant return but a difficult transition. These workers, having invested heavily in their migration journeys, often return with financial instability and feelings of social exclusion. The services provided at the welfare centers aim to stabilize their conditions, equip them with new skills, and provide pathways for self-employment or domestic reintegration. Through these centers, the project extends a safety net and a springboard, enabling returnees to not just survive but reestablish their livelihoods with dignity and direction.

Youth-Focused Strategies That Deliver Results

In tandem with its focus on migrants, RAISE targets urban youth, a segment of the population frequently sidelined in formal labor markets due to limited skills and lack of opportunities. The project’s informal apprenticeship program has already graduated over 17,200 young participants, with nearly 90% of them now gainfully employed or running their own microenterprises. These apprenticeships offer practical, on-the-job experience in real-world settings, complemented by training in life skills, technical know-how, and business management. This approach does more than improve employability; it builds self-confidence and equips youth with the tools needed to thrive independently. Recognizing the value of entrepreneurship, the project has also supported nearly 115,000 microentrepreneurs with access to finance, training, and mentorship. These small-scale business owners, many operating in dense urban or peri-urban settings, have benefited from enhanced productivity, and in several cases, expanded their operations to create jobs for others in their communities.

Championing Women’s Economic Empowerment

One of the most significant achievements of the RAISE initiative has been its focus on gender inclusion. As of January 2025, the project has enabled nearly 45,000 new or improved jobs for women. In a society where women often face social and structural barriers to employment, this achievement reflects the project’s commitment to inclusive economic development. Services are tailored to women's specific needs, ensuring they not only access jobs but also thrive in them. The project’s impact on women is best captured through personal stories. Farzana Akter, a business owner and beneficiary of the program, explained how the initiative changed her life. “With the loan, we have expanded our business. But with the training, we have understood how to effectively use the money and manage the business,” she said, underlining the importance of financial literacy and empowerment. By placing women at the center of its economic agenda, RAISE is helping redefine gender roles and opening up new avenues for female participation in the economy.

Building a Scalable Future for Inclusive Growth

The RAISE project has demonstrated that community-rooted, multisectoral collaboration can yield powerful results. By working through partner organizations with strong grassroots presence, including microfinance institutions, training centers, legal aid providers, and healthcare services, the project ensures its support reaches those most in need. The involvement of migration-focused NGOs has been instrumental in building trust among migrant families, while service agreements with public and private actors have allowed tailored interventions to flourish. What makes the initiative even more compelling is its scalability. The current implementation model allows for rapid expansion. With additional employment support officers, global skills partnerships, and stronger links to the private sector, RAISE could expand its coverage significantly while maintaining high-quality, targeted interventions. As one returning migrant, Asid Miah, reflected, “I didn’t know what to do. I felt like I had failed. The counselling and guidance I received from RAISE helped me regain my confidence and find a new direction. I may have stumbled along the way, but with the help of RAISE, I am ready to create a better future for myself and my loved ones.”

RAISE is more than a jobs program, it is a bold, forward-looking blueprint for inclusive growth and economic justice. Through its comprehensive support mechanisms, localized delivery, and scalable model, the project is not only transforming individual lives but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient and equitable labor market in Bangladesh.