Chattogram:Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has expressed its interest in collaborating with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to develop a skilled workforce tailored to meet industrial demands. The initiative aims to generate employment and align the education system with industry requirements.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CCCI conveyed its interest during a discussion with an ILO delegation. The government has initiated the establishment of "Employment Exchange Centers" across the nation under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, with technical support from the ILO. These centers focus on creating strong linkages between industrial enterprises and technical educational institutions, promoting work-based training, skills development, and employment support services.
CCCI President Mohammad Amirul Haque emphasized the need for a significant shift in the country's education system towards technical and practical education that meets real industry needs. He noted the discrepancy between the number of students obtaining general academic degrees and the availability of skilled workers for industrial enterprises. To address this gap, he suggested adopting models from developed countries like Canada, focusing on short-term vocational training in areas such as plumbing, painting, and gas-line installation. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of modernizing curricula and training methods to incorporate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Max Tunon, ILO Country Director for Bangladesh, participated in the meeting virtually, stating that the ILO aims to address the interests and needs of all stakeholders in Bangladesh, including the government, workers, and employers. The organization focuses on creating more and better jobs, improving working conditions, linking technical educational institutions with industrial enterprises, providing practical experience through work-based learning, and enhancing productivity.
The meeting also featured a presentation by Mohammad Wasfi Tamim, National Programme Officer at the ILO, on various aspects of the "Employment Exchange Programme." Key attendees included Chamber Senior Vice-President Md. Amjad Hossain Chowdhury, Director Shahidul Alam, BGMEA Directors Enamul Aziz Chowdhury and Md. Saifullah, ILO Chief Technical Adviser Peter Belen, Head of Programme Gunjan Dallakoti, Senior Programme Officer Tanzel Ahsan, BGMEA Chief Coordinator for ILO and Labour Affairs A.N.M. Saifuddin, and Ritz-G Group Managing Director Mirza Md. Jamshed Ali.