Photo: Collected

SYLHET, July 25, 2026 (BSS) - Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has emphasized the importance of learning Japanese language alongside technical education at Sylhet Agricultural University.

"Although Bangladeshi skilled workers are in high demand in agriculture-based countries, many fail to secure employment due to lack of language proficiency. Japan has a demand for skilled workers. Learning Japanese will benefit students," he said.

He made the remarks while addressing the orientation program for newly admitted undergraduate students (Level-1, Semester-1) of the 2025-2026 academic session at Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU) this afternoon.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Alimul Islam presided over the event.
 
Advocate Emran Ahmad Chowdhury, Professor Dr. A S M Golam Hafiz Kennedy, Syndicate Member of SAU and Member of Bangladesh Public Service Commission spoke at the event while Professor Dr. Jasim Uddin Ahmad delivered the welcome speech.

Dr. Alimul said university life is not confined to textbooks alone but is a crucial time for building character, leadership, and the foundation of future life. 

He urged students to utilize campus facilities, follow rules, and prepare themselves with technical education, soft skills, artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and industry-oriented knowledge to transform Bangladesh's growing population into skilled human resources.

Emran Ahmad Chowdhury said education is the government's top priority, with major budgetary allocations aimed at infrastructure and capacity development to establish Bangladesh as a global "Center of Excellence" and "Education Hub."

Professor Kennedy reminded students that their parents' dreams rest on them and urged them to avoid negative practices, embrace self-reliance and remain focused on studies.