Dhaka, Sept 19 (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today stressed introducing a unified, international-standard training and certification system to enhance the acceptance and recognition of the country's youth in national and international job markets, directing the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) to bring skill development programmes of different ministries under a coordinated framework.
"If a unified and internationally standard training and certification system is introduced, it will not only enhance the skills of our youth but also increase their acceptance and recognition in the national and international job markets," he said while chairing the third meeting of the Governing Body of the NSDA at his office in Tejgaon.
Tarique Rahman said the NSDA is playing an important role in developing skilled human resources based on the demands of national and international job markets. "It is also an important platform for increasing demand for Bangladesh's skilled workforce in the international job market," he said.
Stating that youth skill development is extremely crucial, the Prime Minister said, "Although many training programmes are being conducted under different ministries to this end, these training programmes and certificates are often failing to play an effective role due to a lack of proper coordination. As a result, our younger generation is not receiving the desired recognition at the national and international levels against these certificates."
He directed the NSDA Governing Body to formulate the necessary policies through a small committee within a short time and bring the skills development and training programmes of different ministries under a coordinated framework. He also stressed introducing a system of providing training and certificates under a common syllabus.
The meeting was briefed on the administrative structure, manpower and functions of the NSDA. Discussions also took place on the National Skills Development-related policy and strategy papers, development of skilled human resources in line with the demands of national and international job markets, sector-wise analysis of skills demand, and short-, medium- and long-term action plans. The meeting also discussed improvement of training quality, certification and mutual recognition of certificates.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, PM's adviser for Public Administration Md Ismail Zabihullah, Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister and Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, and Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin attended the meeting.
State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, PM's Principal Secretary A B M Abdus Sattar, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Chowdhury, Principal Coordinator for SDGs Prof Dr SM Abdul Awal, Executive Chairman of NSDA Dr Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury, secretaries of different ministries and other senior officials were present.
The NSDA was established in 2018 to coordinate and regulate skills development activities in Bangladesh. The government has set an ambitious target of creating a skilled workforce to meet the demands of both domestic and international job markets, with a focus on increasing remittances and reducing unemployment. The National Skills Development Policy 2026 provides a framework for coordinated efforts across ministries and agencies to develop demand-driven skills training programmes.
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