Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, May 11, 2026 (BSS)- Overcoming poverty, uncertainty and social marginalization, Pabitro — a promising youth from the indigenous community in Mohadevpur Upazila, Naogaon — is now looking for new dreams. 

At one point, financial hardship in his family left him hopeless about the future. Higher education opportunities were limited, and he had no regular work. But instead of giving in to life’s harsh realities, he built a self-reliant life through skills development.

Pabitro is a TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) graduate. After successfully completing a six-month ICT training course with support from HEKS Bangladesh, he now works in Mohadevpur Bazaar servicing CCTV systems, computers and printers. 

By applying his skills, he currently earns around TK 20,000 per month. His success has become an inspiring story for unemployed and marginalized youths in the area.

Today (Monday), Pabitro shared his life experiences at a dialogue titled “Inspiration Through Success Stories — Motivating Community Youth by Celebrating the Achievements of TVET Graduates” held in the conference room of the BRAC Learning Centre in Paba Upazila. 

He said, “There was a time when I thought poverty might stop me from moving forward. But the training gave me confidence. Now I can support my family with my own income and I’ve learned to dream about the future again.”

The chief guest at the event was Rezaul Alam Sarker, Additional Divisional Commissioner. Addressing the youths, he said, “After training, you must work with honesty and patience. It’s not right to dream of becoming successful overnight. Gain skills and Bangladesh will seek you out.”

The meeting was chaired by Sabur Ali, Additional Deputy Commissioner. He said, “Alongside infrastructure, building skilled human resources is essential for the country’s development. Young people can lead the nation’s progress. NGOs are playing an important role not just through microcredit programs, but also by implementing development projects.”

Ten successful youths and 60 interested young men and women participated in the event. To encourage them, crests were awarded to the successful youths. 

Special guests included HEKS Bangladesh Country Director Dora Chowdhury and DASCOH Foundation Chief Executive Officer Akramul Haque.

Principal of Chapainawabganj TTC Abdur Rahim, Assistant Director of the Department of Youth Development Mizanur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs Shahida Akhtar and Regional Manager of UCEP Bangladesh Shahinul Islam spoke as panel discussants.

Partnership Manager and Senior Program Advisor of HEKS Bangladesh Bhupesh Roy gave an overview of their development activities during his Power Point presentation.