Rajshahi: A day-long job fair was organized in Rajshahi with the goal of opening new horizons for youth employment through training-based skill development. The fair, which began at a convention center in the city, created a vibrant atmosphere with the participation of 27 organizations. With the presence of young male and female job seekers, the event turned into a gathering of possibilities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Integrated Development Foundation (IDF) organized the fair with financial and technical support from Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate of Rajshahi, Risadul Islam, was present as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony. He emphasized the timeliness and commendable nature of the initiative, highlighting its potential to boost the confidence of young people and positively impact employment generation.
In his remarks as a special guest, Rajshahi Press Club General Secretary Golam Mostafa Mamun stated that such initiatives are exceptional for Rajshahi and carry a message of positive change. Professor Matiur Rahman from Nawabganj Government College also attended as a special guest, stressing that sustainable employment is not feasible without skill development and urging employers to provide job opportunities to trained young individuals.
Professor Md. Shahidul Amin Chowdhury, a founding member of IDF, presided over the event. IDF Coordinator Ekram Hossain revealed in his welcome address that a six-month guru-disciple-based apprenticeship program is being conducted, offering training in 20 trades including beauty parlors, tailoring, welding, mobile servicing, graphic design, and IT support. So far, 843 apprentices have completed training under 249 gurus, with about 90 percent securing employment or establishing themselves as entrepreneurs. The program targets young individuals aged 15 to 35 from low-income families, providing each apprentice with an honorarium of Taka 21,000 and each guru with 9,000 taka during the training period.
At the fair, job seekers had the opportunity to submit their resumes directly to the stalls of participating organizations and engage in initial interviews. Organizers express hope that this integrated initiative of training and employment will further expand and open new doors of opportunity for the country’s youth.