Bogura: A nationwide Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme has been launched under the Department of Youth Development’s project, titled ‘Skills Development of IT-Knowledgeable Youth through Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology,’ aimed at equipping young people with AI-based skills. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Mom Inn Auditorium in Bogura, with State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Hoque officiating the event.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ceremony was attended by State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam, State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari, and several members of parliament from Bogura. Approximately 2,000 trainees, project officials, trainers, and coordinators from various districts across the country also participated virtually. During his address, Aminul Hoque emphasized the importance of acquiring and utilizing skills for employment opportunities in technology-driven workplaces. He highlighted the government’s efforts to develop AI-based skills among youth, which would foster both employment and self-employment opportunities. Hoque also discussed plans to establish 10 international-standard sports villages nationwide, including one in Bogura.
Mir Shah Alam noted that the government’s initiative to enhance technology-based skills would significantly broaden local employment opportunities. He encouraged trainees to apply their newly acquired skills to create job opportunities, while Md. Abdul Bari underscored the role of such training programmes in developing a skilled workforce in information technology. Bari stressed the importance of consistent participation by trainees to attain the desired skill levels.
Masud Alam, Managing Director of e-Learning and Earning Limited, explained that the project is designed to cultivate AI-based skills, providing trainees with access to modern AI tools essential for the domestic and international job markets. Youth and Sports Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam presided over the function, where it was announced that in the first phase, 1,600 trainees have been enrolled, with 25 selected from each of the country’s 64 districts. Training will be conducted in 448 batches, each comprising 25 participants, over a two-month course with 50 classes totaling 300 hours.
The event was also attended by Rezaul Karim Badsha, MP, Mosharraf Hossain, MP, Abdul Muhit Talukdar, MP, and Suraiya Zerin Rony, MP. Laptops were distributed to eight top-earning freelancers at the divisional level as part of the Department of Youth Development’s ongoing freelancing project. Additionally, honorary crests were presented to 24 freelancers from different districts within the Rajshahi Division.