Coffee culture brews new opportunities in Bangladesh

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is no longer confined to five-star hotels in Bangladesh. From coffee shops to roadside outlets, cappuccinos and other coffee-based drinks have become an increasingly familiar part of everyday life.

Today, October 1, is International Coffee Day, and Bangladesh is joining the global observance at a time when the country’s coffee culture is steadily expanding.

The growth of coffee culture is also creating new opportunities for young people, particularly those seeking employment at home and abroad.

As Bangladesh observes International Coffee Day, the story of its growing coffee culture is therefore not only about a beverage. It is also about a changing profession, new skills and the young people finding opportunities through them.

The demand is not limited to Bangladesh. Young Bangladeshis travelling abroad for studies are increasingly looking towards short-term, skill-based courses to improve their employment opportunities. With coffee shops common in many countries, barista training can help them find work while pursuing their studies.

For Chef Ajom Ali, who runs a training centre called Barista Training Bangladesh, the changing coffee scene represents both a professional journey and a source of opportunity for a new generation.

“I have 25 years of experience in this industry. I was a chef long before I started working with coffee. While I primarily specialise in multi-cuisine food, I have been working with coffee for 15 years,” he said.
As coffee culture grows, he sees a distinct market emerging around it.