Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Sunday called for greater emphasis on developing young people as entrepreneurs rather than merely jobseekers, saying their skills and potential were vital to Bangladesh’s development.
Speaking at a discussion marking “National Youth Day 2026” at the Lalmonirhat Zila Parishad Auditorium, he stressed the need to expand vocational training and make young people skilled and self-reliant, according to a Press Information Department release.
“By harnessing their talent, courage, patriotism and capacity for work, Bangladesh can grow stronger as a nation. Therefore, young people must be nurtured to become entrepreneurs rather than merely jobseekers,” he said.
Dulu also emphasised preparing young people for overseas employment through skills development and foreign language training.
He said an initiative was under way to send 10,000 Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia, with the government bearing the associated costs.
“Working abroad requires knowledge of the host country’s language. Consequently, young people must be trained in various foreign languages,” he said.
The minister called for the renovation and repair of existing youth training centres to expand training opportunities.
He also urged the relevant authorities to take steps to build confidence and improve productivity among young people.
Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Rashedul Haque Prodhan chaired the event, while Department of Youth Development Deputy Director Md Abdus Salam Sikdar delivered the welcome address.
Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police Md Asaduzzaman and Zila Parishad Administrator AKM Mominul Haque attended as special guests.
Officials from various government departments, young men and women, and journalists were also present.
The programme concluded with the distribution of training certificates, youth organisation registration certificates and loan cheques totalling Tk5.5 lakh to seven young people.
