Support for martyrs’ families highlighted at skills training programme
At the closing ceremony of a three-day 'Arts and Crafts' skills training course, Mr Md Obaidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, reaffirmed the government's support for families of martyrs and the wounded from the July mass uprising.
He expressed, "It is because of that uprising that I have risen to the position of Secretary. Whatever they require, it is my duty to support them."
The event, organised by the SME Foundation and held at the Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM), was presided over by Mr Anowar Hossain Chowdhury, Managing Director of SME Foundation. Special guests included Mr Kamal Akbar, CEO of the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, Ms Farzana Khan, Deputy Managing Director of SME Foundation, and Ms Samsi Ara Zaman, General Secretary of the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation.
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Over the three days, participants gained practical knowledge in:
- Fundamentals of colour theory
- Tie-and-dye techniques
- T-shirt painting
- Madhubani, Russian, and pottery painting
- Fabric and glass painting
- Jute-bag design
- African art
- Stencil work
- Jewellery making
- Raw-material sourcing and pricing strategies
In his speech, Mr Chowdhury highlighted plans for further skill-development initiatives aimed at nurturing entrepreneurs from the families of martyrs and injured fighters, with ongoing support from the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation.
According to a preliminary 2024 economic survey, SMEs account for nearly 30% of GDP, employing over 3 million people in 1.18 million enterprises. The sector provides 85% of industrial jobs and focuses on labor-intensive, low-capital operations. Under national policies, the Ministry of Industries and SME Foundation have supported over 2 million entrepreneurs—60% of whom are women—since 2007.
