Nationwide AI training programme launched in Bogura to equip youths with technology skills and expand employment opportunities. Photo : BSS

BOGURA, Aug 2, 2026 (BSS) - A nationwide artificial intelligence (AI) training programme has been launched under the Department of Youth Development's project titled "Skills Development of IT-Knowledgeable Youths through Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology" to enhance the technological capabilities of young people.

Youth and Sports State Minister Md Aminul Haque attended the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest at the Mom Inn Auditorium in Bogura today.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shahe Alam attended the programme as the inaugurator, while Public Administration State Minister Md Abdul Bari joined virtually as the keynote speaker.

Among others present were Bogura-6 lawmaker Rezaul Karim Badsha, Bogura-4 lawmaker Mosharaf Hossain, Bogura-3 lawmaker Abdul Muhit Talukder, reserved women seat lawmaker Suraiya Zerin Rony, Deputy Commissioner Toufiqur Rahman, Superintendent of Police Mirza Sayem Mahmud, District Council Administrator Ahsanul Taiyab Zakir, the project director and representatives of the training providers.

Youth and Sports Ministry Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam chaired the programme.

Nearly 2,000 trainees, project officials, trainers and coordinators from different districts across the country also joined the event virtually, and the guests encouraged them through their speeches.

In his inaugural address, State Minister Md Aminul Haque said the government is working to prepare youths for technology-driven workplaces by enabling them to acquire AI-based skills.

He said the training programme would create opportunities for employment and self-employment. 

He also mentioned a plan to establish 10 international-standard sports villages in different parts of the country, including Bogura.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said the government's initiative to develop technology-based skills would help expand employment opportunities at the local level.

He called upon the trainees to utilise the skills acquired through the programme to create employment opportunities.

Public Administration State Minister Md Abdul Bari said such training programmes would play an important role in developing skilled human resources in the field of information technology.

He stressed the importance of regular participation by trainees to acquire the necessary skills.

The programme was informed that in the first phase of the project, a total of 1,600 trainees, 25 from each of the country's 64 districts, have been selected.

The training will be conducted in 448 batches, with 25 participants in each batch.

Each course will run for two months, comprising 50 classes and a total of 300 hours of training.

During the programme, laptops were distributed to eight top-earning freelancers at the divisional level under the Department of Youth Development's ongoing freelancing project.

In addition, 24 freelancers from different districts of Rajshahi Division were presented with honorary crests in recognition of their achievements.