A seminar titled ‘‘Skills Development for Inclusive Growth in Bangladesh’ was organized by National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) on 4th October 2021 at the Multipurpose Hall of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) with a view to achieve the economic growth of Bangladesh by accelerating the skills development activities, and promoting skills to the youth and wider community.
Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus was present as chief guest in the seminar. Md. Nurul Amin, Member (Admin & Finance), NSDA delivered the welcome speech and The key paper was presented by Anwar-ulAlam Chowdhury (Parvez), President, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries. The Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology Professor Md. Habibur Rahman was present as key discussant.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Sayem, Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, SUST and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shahadat Hossain Siddiquee, Department of Economics, Dhaka University shed light on the presentation by providing their expert knowledge. The Seminar was chaired by Dulal Krishna Saha, Executive Chairman (Secretary), National Skills Development Authority. The seminar was attended by secretaries of various Ministries/Divisions, Directors Generals of departments, officials of different levels of government, Development Partners, representatives of Industry Skills Councils and people involved in skills development. Those who could not attend the event directly joined online. The event was broadcast live on Facebook.
In his key presentation, Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury mentioned that there are approximately 169 million people living in Bangladesh out of whom 70% are employable. But currently the unemployment rate is nearly 12.3%. It has been forecasted that 60 million people will live in the age quartile of 18-35 by 2030. He mentioned the necessity of making them skilled to meet the demand of national and international market. Business leaders should come forward and work hand-in-hand in formulating and implementing policies regarding skills development which in turn will help achieving economic growth.
Chief Discussant Professor Md. Habibur Rahman said that there is no alternative to increase the productivity of the workers in order to sustain the growth rate including survival in the competitive world. Advanced technology and skilled manpower are required to increase productivity. At present, about 22 lakh youths are being added to the labor market in Bangladesh every year. So, now is the real time to take advantage of Demographic Dividend.
The chief guest Ahmad Kaikaus said, there is no alternative to implementing the government's vision 2021, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, becoming a developed country by 2041 and building skilled manpower to implement the Delta Plan-2100.
The country's economic prosperity will be facilitated by tackling global challenges through the creation of skilled manpower.
He further mentioned that due to the Corona epidemic, a section of the youth has been deprived of the opportunity to receive training for a long time. Another part lost work. At this unusual time, diversity has also been created in the field of profession. During Corona period, people have become largely digital platform-dependent. This issue has created huge hopes in Bangladesh. The amount of income has increased through free-lancing.
As a result, it has become necessary to formulate a plan considering the social and professional changes, especially in the post-Corona period. To this end, it is important to take necessary steps to increase the effectiveness of conventional training courses in skills development as well as to formulate standard and training curricula keeping in view the modern and future technology, he added.