Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul on Saturday announced the launch of Bangladesh’s first-ever skill development programme, aimed at training 6,000 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) candidates.
The programme, set to begin from Tangail, represents a crucial first step toward bridging the skill gap and preparing Bangladesh’s youth for a competitive global job market, he said, inaugurating the skill development courses for SSC candidates at the Teachers’ Training Institutes of Tangail, Nagarpur, and Kalihati, reports BSS.
About the initiative, Asif Nazrul said that the international labour market increasingly favours skilled workers over low-skilled or unskilled. “Without enhancing workforce capabilities, future prospects for overseas employment will remain uncertain,” he added.
He pointed out that after the SSC exams, students generally have a six-month gap without academic activities. This skill development programme aims to make productive use of that time by equipping students with training in computer literacy, graphic design, and other essential skills.
After talking on his advisory role, Nazrul highlighted numerous emerging opportunities for overseas employment as new avenues have opened in Serbia, Romania, and other parts of Europe.
“Additionally, Japan has offered Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to recruit 100,000 workers from Bangladesh,” he added.
Referring to his visit to Malaysia, Asif Nazrul said that discussions indicated the country plans to recruit the largest number of Bangladeshi workers. At the same time, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have reiterated their commitment to continuing the regular intake of workers from Bangladesh. However, employment-related complications in Bahrain remain and are currently being addressed.
Mentioning that expatriate welfare lounge has been established, he said there are plans to build a hospital, specifically for expatriates, an institution that they will own themselves.
With Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque in the chair, Saleh Ahmed Mozzaffar, director general of the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training addressed the event as well. Tangail TTC Principal Rashedul Islam, delivered the welcome speech.