Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin announced on Wednesday that the government is actively working to develop a skilled and competitive workforce by aligning education and skills development initiatives with the aspirations of the nation’s youth. This strategy focuses on enhanced industry-academia collaboration, expanded technical training, and the pursuit of internationally recognized certifications.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Mahdi Amin made these remarks while speaking at the ‘World Youth Skills Day 2026’ event organized by UCEP Bangladesh. He emphasized that empowering the youth is synonymous with empowering the government, reflecting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s vision of a Bangladesh where young people are equipped with essential skills, moral values, family education, and social responsibility.
The adviser highlighted the government’s intention to revamp the education system by fostering stronger ties between academic institutions and industries. This collaboration aims to ensure that students acquire market-relevant skills, enhancing their employability. Mahdi Amin stressed the importance of creating equal employment opportunities across various sectors, including the private sector, public sector, overseas job markets, and entrepreneurship. He encouraged students to pursue fields that align with their interests and abilities, rather than conforming to traditional career paths.
Furthermore, Mahdi Amin, who also serves as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) spokesperson, detailed the government’s plans to expand short-term, trade-based training programs. These programs, which last three months, six months, or longer, aim to better prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship.
He underscored the necessity of improving overseas employment opportunities by enhancing workers’ skills and developing an integrated ecosystem that links technical and vocational education with various training institutions, including Technical Training Centres (TTCs) and polytechnic institutes.
The adviser noted that 23 ministries currently manage different skills development and training programs. He called for greater coordination to harmonize curricula, certification, training methods, and competency standards. Acting on the Prime Minister’s directives, the government is working to establish a unified framework, ensuring that certificates issued by the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) gain international recognition while maintaining common standards across training programs offered by different ministries.
Mahdi Amin commended UCEP Bangladesh for achieving an employment rate of over 80 percent for its graduates, citing it as an exemplary model worthy of nationwide replication. He pointed out that many students complete technical and vocational education or receive training but still face employment challenges. The government aims to replicate successful models like UCEP’s across the country by adopting global best practices.
The PMO spokesperson also expressed the government’s commitment to providing equal access to quality education, skills training, and employment opportunities for young people residing outside major cities. He emphasized that no student should face disadvantages due to geographic location, advocating for equal educational and training opportunities for students in remote and marginalized areas.
Mahdi Amin stated that private institutions will continue to be pivotal in driving skills development, innovation, and expansion. The government’s role will focus on providing policy support and creating an enabling environment. He also pledged increased government support for reputable institutions, leveraging their expertise and experience to implement national skills development policies effectively.
Addressing labor welfare, the adviser highlighted the absence of major labor unrest during the two Eid festivals since the current government took office. He attributed this stability to measures ensuring workers’ rights, freedom, and timely payment of wages and bonuses. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to creating an inclusive system that expands opportunities for all young people, irrespective of their background or location.