Online Desk: The total labour force in the country is over 7.34 crore while there are 26.3 lakh people who do not have jobs. The figure came in the ‘Labour Force Survey 2022’ released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday. Out of the total force, men are 4.74 crore and women 2.59 crore while among the jobless people men are 16.9 lakh and women are 9.4 lakh.

The figures came as the BBS organised a discussion meeting at Statistics Bhaban in Agargaon where planning minister MA Mannan was present as chief guest.

According to the International Labour Organisation, the unemployed population means those who do not get a chance to work even for an hour in a week. The data showed the unemployment rate decreased in fiscal year 2021-22 compared to fiscal year 2016-17. Previously the unemployment rate was 4.2 per cent but now it has come down to 3.6 per cent.

Meanwhile, the number of people aged 15 years and above who are outside the work force is 4.69 crore. On the other hand, the number of people who are engaged in work is 7.78 crore. The BBS revealed the data based on Housing Census-2022, in which information was collected from 1,284 primary record areas across the country.