Feni: An expatriate fair was held in the district on the occasion of International Migrants Day and National Expatriates Day, aiming to promote skilled overseas employment and encourage legal remittance channels. Organized under the slogan "We will take skills abroad, build our homeland with remittances," the fair took place at the Feni Technical Training Center (FTTC) in Kashimpur, Shabartoli today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was jointly organised by the District Administration, District Employment and Manpower Office (DEMO), Feni Technical Training Center, Expatriate Welfare Center, and Expatriate Welfare Bank. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Fatima Sultana inaugurated the fair as chief guest, while acting principal of FTTC Md Jasim Uddin presided over the programme. Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Md Saidur Rahman and Civil Surgeon's Office Medical Officer Dr Rashedul Islam attended as special guests.
During the programme, scholarships were awarded to Sajeda Akhter Shifa, Md Sharafat Amin, and Zahid Hasan. Financial assistance cheques were handed over to persons with disabilities Umme Ayesha Nur Tasmia and Mehedi Hasan Masuk.
Fatima Sultana highlighted that around eight percent of Feni's population lives abroad. She emphasized the importance of skills, noting that many workers go overseas without proper training. She urged aspiring migrants to acquire skills in trades such as welding, plumbing, driving, mechanical work, graphic design, and AutoCAD to improve employment prospects. Additionally, she encouraged expatriates to remit money through banks instead of using hundi.