Photo: BSS

SHARIATPUR, Aug 19, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 53 local unemployed youths from underprivileged and distressed families received employment opportunities abroad in the first phase through an initiative undertaken by Shafiqul Rahman Kiran, a lawmaker from the Shariatpur-2 constituency.

As part of the initiative, MP Shafiqul Rahman Kiran will send 216 unemployed youths from underprivileged and distressed families abroad for employment at his own expense.

The visas and air tickets were distributed, among the youths, by the MP at a programme held at the head office of Metco Enterprise in Baridhara, Dhaka, on Wednesday morning.

The event was attended by Farhana Kadir Rahman, chairman of Metco Enterprise, Naria Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abdul Qayyum Khan, Vedarganj UNO Abu Bakar Siddique, SM Hamid Sardar, organising secretary of the Shariatpur district BNP and convener of Sakhipur Thana BNP, Naria Municipality BNP President Syed Rintu and leaders from different levels.

Farhana Kadir Rahman said the initiative involved a substantial amount of money. She said MP Kiran was spending the money not for personal benefit but for the welfare of people in his home district and constituency.

“Bringing positive change to people's lives is the main objective of this initiative,” she said.

Kiran said the initiative was undertaken to restore financial stability among poor and distressed families by providing them overseas employment.

“The workers have been provided with the necessary training to make them skilled and qualified,” he said.

Of the 216 beneficiaries, 53 have received their visas and air tickets in the first phase, while the remaining beneficiaries will be sent abroad in phases, he added.

Kiran also said, “I have not been able to do even one percent of what I dreamt of when I became an MP. I have a strong desire to work for the people of Shariatpur, particularly those in my constituency.”

The organisers expressed hope that the overseas employment initiative would help the young workers and their families become financially self-reliant while also contributing positively to the country's economy through increased remittances.