Are there English-language job opportunities in Dhaka?

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Given that Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh and a major hub for business, trade, and international organizations, and considering that many multinational corporations, NGOs, educational institutions, and tech companies operate there with English as a primary language for business communication, what specific types of English-language job opportunities (such as roles in corporate communications, customer support, IT, education, or international development) are available for English-speaking professionals, and what are the common requirements employers typically look for in terms of language proficiency (e.g., fluency in business English, CET or IELTS scores, resume submission in English) or prior experience in English-speaking workplaces? Are these roles primarily focused on full-time positions, or are part-time, freelance, or remote work outsourcing options also accessible for non native Bangladeshi speakers seeking to relocate or work from within the country? Additionally, how competitive is the application process for such roles, and are there particular sectors or industries where English fluency is more highly prioritized or even mandatory?

Yes, English-language job opportunities are available in Dhaka across various sectors, catering to both expatriates and proficient local professionals. Key areas and roles include:

  1. International NGOs & INGOs:

    • Extensive demand for Program Managers, Project Officers, Technical Specialists (health, education, WASH), M&E Officers, Finance & Admin Managers, and Communications Officers.
    • Fluency in English is essential for donor reporting, proposal writing, stakeholder communication (government, donors, communities), coordination, and international travel.

  2. Multinational Corporations (MNCs):

    • Headquarters & Regional Offices: Companies operating in banking (Standard Chartered, HSBC, City Bank, BRAC Bank), telecommunications (Grameenphone, Robi, Airtel), consumer goods (Unilever, NestlĂ©, British American Tobacco), and consulting (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, Accenture) require English for senior management, finance, HR, marketing, and strategy roles.
    • Global Customer Support & Sales: BPO and shared service centers support international clients needing fluent English speakers for customer service and sales roles.

  3. Education Sector:

    • International Schools & Universities: Demand for native or highly fluent English-speaking teachers (primary, secondary, IB, A-Level curriculum), university lecturers, curriculum developers, and administrators.
    • Language Institutes: Positions for teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL/TESOL).

  4. Export-Oriented Industries (RMG & Others):

    • Sourcing & Buying: Garment manufacturers buying houses (like Li & Fung, PVH) need Merchandisers, Product Developers, Sourcing Managers, and QA Specialists with strong English for communication with international buyers and factories.
    • Export Documentation & Logistics: Roles requiring proficiency for trade correspondence, LC handling, and shipping coordination.

  5. IT, Software & Digital Services:

    • Software Development: Companies serving international markets require Project Managers, Business Analysts, Solutions Architects, Sales & Marketing Specialists, and Customer Support with strong English for collaboration and client interaction.
    • Digital Marketing & Content Creation: Roles for Content Writers (blogs, websites, social media), SEO Specialists, Social Media Managers, and Campaign Managers fluent in English.
    • IT Support (Global): Technical support and helpdesk roles for international clients.

  6. Tourism & Hospitality:

    • High-End Hotels & Resorts: Front desk management, guest relations, reservations, and marketing roles in international hotel chains require excellent customer-facing English skills.
    • Tour Operators: Positions for guides and staff dealing with international tourists.

  7. Media, Publishing & Communication:

    • Print & Online Media: Journalists, Editors, Sub-editors, Content Producers, Copywriters for English-language newspapers, magazines, news portals (e.g., Dhaka Tribune, The Daily Star, Financial Express).
    • Public Relations & Advertising: Roles for Account Managers, Copywriters, and Strategists needing English for client communication and campaign creation.
  8. Consultancy & Professional Services:
    • Firms offering management, financial, legal, or technical consulting require consultants with strong English for reports, presentations, and client engagement.
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Types of English Proficiency Required:

  • Business/Professional English: For daily office communication, emails, reports, meetings, presentations.
  • Negotiation & Persuasion: Especially in sales, buying, consulting, and client management.
  • Technical/Industry-Specific English: In fields like IT, finance, engineering, medicine, and law.
  • Native/Near-Native Fluency: Often essential for senior leadership, teaching, client-facing roles, and positions targeting international markets.
  • Written Proficiency: Critical for reports, documentation, proposals, and content creation.

How to Find These Opportunities:

  • Online Job Portals: Bdjobs, Prothomalo Jobs, The Daily Star Jobs, LinkedIn, Bayt, Glassdoor.
  • Company Websites: Career pages of major MNCs, INGOs, banks, schools, and tech companies.
  • Recruitment Agencies: Specialized agencies headhunting for English-speaking roles.
  • Networking: Leveraging LinkedIn and professional networks in Dhaka.
  • Industry-Specific Publications & Websites.

In summary, Dhaka offers a significant number of job opportunities where strong English skills are a primary requirement or a major competitive advantage, particularly in roles involving international communication, complex documentation, specialized services, and client interactions across diverse sectors.

Published: September 11, 2025