Youth skill development should be driven by national interest: Swapon

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has called on the country's youth to ensure that their drive for skill development is linked not only to personal employment but also to national interests and economic potential.

"The youth should remain conscious of ensuring that their career goals are aligned with national interests. Otherwise, even if individual success is achieved, it may not contribute to the welfare of the state," he said.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of a job fair titled "From Skill to Opportunity" at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.

The fair was organised by private organisation Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), with support from ChorogUsan for Children (formerly known as ChildFund Korea or the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation) and Educo.

The minister said developing a skilled workforce only for existing jobs is not enough; creating new jobs and expanding the employment market are equally important.

He said the foundation of this depends on the economy, industrial policy and state structure, adding that therefore, young people must develop their skills while also understanding the broader economic picture of the country.

Referring to an example of the benefits of state policy, Swapon said that during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, technology and knowledge were brought from South Korea and Bangladesh's workforce was linked with the garment industry.

He said the foundation of the country's garment sector was built through necessary policy support, including entrepreneurs' training, back-to-back letters of credit and bank loans.

The benefits of appropriate policy support by a statesman can have a positive impact on the entire economy, he added.

Highlighting emerging technologies and changing demands in the international market, the minister said Bangladesh cannot rely solely on conventional jobs to meet the needs of its large population within its limited geographical area.

"Keeping national interests in mind, we need to develop young people as responsible citizens while creating new avenues in industry, technology and production," he said.

He also urged the organising agencies and the National Skills Development Authority to incorporate proper knowledge of ethics, philosophy and the current economic realities into curricula while developing training programmes for young people.

Educo Bangladesh Country Director Abdul Hamid chaired the programme.

Executive Chairman of the National Skills Development Authority Dr Dr Nazneen K. Chowdhury and Executive Director of ESDO Dr Md Shahid Uz Zaman also spoke at the event.

Source: BSS