The Department of Social Services (DSS) in Khagrachari has provided financial assistance of Tk50,000 each to 25 women from marginalised communities to help them become self-reliant following the completion of a skill development programme.
The announcement was made by DSS Deputy Director Abu Abdullah Md Wali Ullah during the training’s closing ceremony held on Tuesday morning at Urban Social Service Office.
He confirmed that the funds would be disbursed directly into the trainees’ respective bank accounts.
The initiative was part of the ‘Livelihood Improvement Project for Underprivileged Communities,’ aimed at empowering disadvantaged groups such as blacksmiths, potters, weavers, and cobblers who remain neglected in society.
Under this project, 25 women underwent 15 days of intensive training in “Dress Making & Tailoring” and “Beautification”.
Alongside the one-time grant of Tk50,000 for income-generating activities, each participant received a daily training allowance of Tk500. The training programme was originally inaugurated on 20 May by MP Wadud Bhuiyan.
Speaking as the chief guest, Khagrachari Hill District Council Chairman Shefalika Tripura urged trainees to apply their new skills effectively.
“Instead of staying idle at home, you must sincerely use what you have learnt over these 15 days. If you can put these skills to work, this training will be a success, leading to increased family income and economic development,” she said.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the opportunity. Karnalata Tripura, Anika Das, and Noni Das, who attended the tailoring course, noted that they had no prior knowledge of sewing machines before the programme.
They highlighted that they have now learnt to sew various items, which they believe will benefit their personal and family lives.
Meanwhile, beautification trainees Shikha Debbarman and Nitushree Nath expressed their intentions to either seek employment at beauty parlours or start their own businesses.
Trainers Rina Akter and Anamika Barua praised the participants for their attentiveness, noting that despite the short 15-day duration, the women managed to learn a significant amount due to their dedication.
The closing ceremony was also attended by Additional District Commissioner Hasan Maruf, Urban Social Service Officer Md Nazmul Ahsan, District BNP Joint General Secretary Md Mosharraf Hossain, and Municipal BNP General Secretary Md Nazrul Islam, among others.
