Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu distributed work equipment and job certificates at Rangpur Shilpakala Academy auditorium on Sunday. Photo : BSS

RANGPUR, Aug 30, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has urged the country's youth to pursue technical education and use their skills to create employment opportunities for themselves.

"Due to a shortage of skilled workers, we are unable to send many unemployed youths abroad as manpower. If we can send trained workers abroad and earn foreign currency, both the country and their families will benefit," he said.

The minister was speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony in Rangpur on Sunday to distribute work equipment and job certificates among trained youths and women to support their employment and self-employment.

The Engineers Institute of Technology (EIT) organised the event at the Rangpur Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

Dulu said the government was placing special emphasis on technical education and providing training in various trades through institutions across Rangpur division, including EIT.

He said training should not be limited to obtaining certificates. Rather, trainees should be supported in using their skills for employment and self-employment.

"If skilled manpower is created, unemployment will decrease and the country's economy will become stronger," he said, adding that providing young people with opportunities to become self-reliant through skills development could help build a prosperous Bangladesh.

The minister also stressed the importance of creating self-employment opportunities instead of simply seeking jobs.

"If trained youths are provided with the necessary work equipment, they will be able to turn their skills into practical work. This will not only improve their families' livelihoods but also contribute to the local economy," he said.

At the event, 25 people received job certificates from EIT, while 50 trainees who had completed training in various trades received work equipment.

EIT Director Nazmul Alam Naju chaired the programme.

Executive Chairman of the National Skill Development Authority Dr Nazneen Kausar Chowdhury, Rangpur Development Authority Chairman Md Shamsuzzaman Samu, Deputy Commissioner Israt Jahan, District Council Administrator Md Saiful Islam, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Sohel Mahmud, Chief Coordinator of REHAB Kazi Abul Kashem and Chairman of the Informal Sector Industry Skills Council Mirza Nurul Gani Shovon, among others, attended the event.