Bangladesh must connect the skills and knowledge of its young people with national economic priorities rather than limiting skills development to individual employment, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said Thursday.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan delivers a speech during a job expo in Bangladesh, emphasizing employment opportunities and skills development for young people. Photo: Jubair Bin Iqbal
Speaking at a job fair titled “From Skill to Opportunity” at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, Swapan said developing skilled workers is important, but creating new jobs and expanding the labor market are equally necessary.
“Job creation” and “job market expansion” ultimately depend on economic, industrial and production policies, he said, adding that political leaders and policymakers have a direct role in creating those opportunities.
Mr. Swapan urged young people to understand not only career development but also the country’s economy, society, politics and national interests.
He cited an initiative during the administration of former President Ziaur Rahman to bring knowledge and technology from South Korea and connect Bangladeshi workers with the emerging garment industry. Training, bank financing, access to foreign expertise and policy support helped establish the foundation of a new industrial sector, he said.
The minister said Bangladesh, with its large population and limited geographic area, must develop new industries and production sectors to expand employment and economic opportunities. He identified exports and remittances as the country’s two major sources of foreign exchange.
Mr. Swapan also called for skills-development curricula to include ethics, philosophy and an understanding of current social and political realities, saying young people should be prepared not only as skilled workers but also as responsible and informed citizens.
The job fair was organized by the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), with support from ChildFund and Educo. Educo Bangladesh Country Director Abdul Hamid chaired the event. National Skills Development Authority Executive Chairman Dr. Naznin Kawsar Chowdhury and ESDO Executive Director Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman also spoke.
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