Dhaka: Youth and Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has announced that 18,000 youths will be trained under a new freelancing initiative aimed at creating employment opportunities for educated, job-seeking individuals across 48 districts in the country. Dr. Nazrul made this announcement during the inauguration of a three-month-long training course at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the project, titled “Creating Employment Through Freelancing Training,” targets educated youths to harness the potential of freelancing. Dr. Nazrul emphasized that freelancing allows individuals to work without traditional job constraints and requires minimal initial investment. He highlighted the opportunities available for Bangladeshis to engage in freelancing with institutions in Europe and America, citing the examples of China and India’s extensive embrace of freelancing.
Dr. Nazrul expressed optimism about the project’s potential, noting that although 18,000 youths will be trained, this number should eventually be increased to 18 lakh in phases. He thanked the officials involved in the project’s implementation and suggested rethinking its structure to ensure its sustainability beyond the conventional project framework.
The adviser underscored the importance of mainstreaming freelancing training within the ministry’s resources. He believes that freelancing can significantly reduce unemployment and boost the country’s economy. Dr. Nazrul also mentioned his intention to explore further opportunities and leave behind a research-based proposal for future ministry leaders.
The training commenced under the fifth batch, with 3,600 participants across 48 districts, each district hosting three batches of 75 trainees. The course, which runs from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026, is open to job-seeking youths and young women aged between 18 and 35 who have completed at least HSC or equivalent examinations.
Youth and Sports Secretary Mahbubul Alam and Director General of the Department of Youth Development Dr. Gazi Md. Saifuzzaman attended the inauguration. The programme, launched in January last year, aims to train a total of 28,800 individuals by December 2026, with full funding from the government at an estimated cost of Tk 299.99 crore.
To date, 10,800 participants have completed the training, with over 62 percent successfully earning from various marketplaces globally. Their collective earnings have reached nearly US$ 11,39,996, equivalent to approximately Taka 14,02,19,629, and continue to grow. The training is closely monitored by deputy directors of district youth development offices, ensuring its effectiveness.
The adviser emphasized the value of a post-training working session where successful freelancers share their experiences with trainees, enhancing the learning process.