NHRDF signs deals with 59 training institutes
The National Human Resource Development Fund has signed agreements with 59 selected training institutes to implement industry-based skills development training programmes aimed at meeting the country's growing demand for skilled workers.
The signing ceremony was held on Sunday (10 May), according to a press release.
National Skills Development Authority Executive Chairman Dr Nazneen Kawser Chowdhury, a member of the NHRDF board of directors, attended the event as a special guest.
NHRDF Managing Director and CEO Md Touhidur Rahman, a former secretary, chaired the programme.
NHRDF Board of Directors Chairman and Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder could not attend the event due to urgent state duties. His written speech was read out at the programme.
In the speech, Dr Mozumder said the main objective of the NHRDF is to transform a large number of people in the country into skilled human resources through education and employment-oriented training.
He said 9,129 young men and women had already received training under the NHRDF through different government, non-government and private training institutes across the country since 2023.
Around 1,872 trainees are currently enrolled in ongoing training programmes, he added.
Once the agreements signed on Sunday are implemented, around 29,320 more young men and women will receive training in different sectors over the next two years.
This will help them secure employment in relevant industries and, in many cases, expand opportunities for self-employment, he said.
Dr Mozumder said the role of training institutes would be crucial in achieving the targets.
He urged representatives of the institutes to treat the responsibility not merely as official work, but as a national duty.
He also stressed the need to upgrade skills certification to international standards to create more employment opportunities and increase remittance earnings.
He suggested learning from the experiences of countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Nepal.
Speaking as the special guest, Dr Nazneen said developing skilled human resources in line with the growing demands of national and international labour markets is essential.
She said the NSDA is working to modernise curricula and bring post-training certificates under international recognition, while the NHRDF will continue providing financial support and monitoring training activities.
She urged training institutes to ensure proper use of NHRDF funds, maintain transparency and follow all applicable rules and regulations.
NHRDF Managing Director Md Touhidur Rahman said the NSDA and the NHRDF would continue working in coordination as government entities to advance skills development.
He expressed satisfaction that the NSDA is taking initiatives to expand the scope of skills training, including Japanese language training, and make training curricula more relevant to current needs.
He said if training institutes properly use NHRDF funding, more skilled workers can be developed in line with the demands of local and international labour markets.
Md Touhidur Rahman signed the agreements on behalf of the NHRDF, while nominated representatives of the partner training institutes signed on behalf of their respective organisations.
