The most common occupation in Bangladesh is agriculture.
Overview of Bangladesh's Labor Force
Bangladesh's economy relies heavily on its vast labor force, which was estimated at over 74.9 million people in 2024. This workforce is distributed across various sectors, with a significant portion engaged in primary economic activities.
Dominant Occupational Sectors
Based on 2017 estimates, the labor force in Bangladesh is predominantly concentrated in three main sectors: Agriculture, Industry, and Services. Agriculture stands out as the largest employer, reflecting the country's agrarian roots and its focus on food production and related activities.
Here's a breakdown of the labor force by occupation:
| Sector | Percentage of Labor Force (2017 est.) |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | 40.6% |
| Services | 39.6% |
| Industry | 20.4% |
Agriculture encompasses a wide range of activities, including farming, fishing, forestry, and livestock rearing. Its significant share indicates that a large portion of the Bangladeshi population is directly involved in producing food and raw materials. While the services sector follows closely, and the industrial sector contributes to employment, agriculture remains the backbone of employment for a substantial part of the population.
