Career Carnival 2025: A new journey toward employment for Cox's Bazar youth
Over 30 leading employers from sectors such as hospitality, information technology, construction, ready-made garments, and caregiving took part in the daylong event.
More than 600 skilled graduates from Cox's Bazar took a significant step toward their professional careers today (22 October) by participating in "Career Carnival 2025."
The large-scale job fair was jointly organized by the Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CBCCI) and the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Skills Council (T&H ISC), implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Improving Skills and Economic Opportunities for Women and Youth in Cox's Bazar (ISEC) project, with support from the Department of Youth Development (DYD), reads a press release.
Over 30 leading employers from sectors such as hospitality, information technology, construction, ready-made garments, and caregiving took part in the daylong event.
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The fair served as a unique platform connecting employers, industry leaders, training institutions, and skilled youth — effectively bridging the gap between skills and employment opportunities.
The primary goal of the Career Carnival was to create direct employment opportunities for trained youth, strengthen collaboration between the private sector and the skilled workforce, and integrate Cox's Bazar's promising human resources into a productive and inclusive job market.
Presided over by CBCCI President Abu Morshed Chowdhury, the event was attended by Dr Gazi Md Saifuzzaman, director general of the Department of Youth Development (DYD), as the chief guest.
"Cox's Bazar holds immense potential in employment generation and entrepreneurship," he said. "The DYD will work to transform local youth into a skilled workforce based on market demand. The ISEC project has shown our youth a new way of thinking."
Among the special guests were Kazi Mokhlesur Rahman, joint secretary, DYD; MA Khayer, director (administration), DYD; Mohiuddin Helal, director, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation; Firoza Akhter, assistant commissioner, Cox's Bazar District Administration; Mohammad Sirajul Islam, project director, National Skills Development, ILO; Nabid Akbar, national entrepreneurship development specialist, ILO; and Mukik Khan, general secretary, Marine Drive Resort Association.
In his welcome remarks, ILO Project Manager Sirajul Islam said, "This event is more than a job fair — it's a strong connection between skills and opportunities. Through the ISEC project, we are working to create quality employment for youth, especially women, and strengthen the local economy."
CBCCI President Abu Morshed Chowdhury noted, "This job fair reflects our commitment to transforming skills into sustainable livelihoods. Our goal is to prepare Cox's Bazar's youth for market-driven employment and promote entrepreneurship. The ISEC project is an outstanding initiative, and we seek continued collaboration from all stakeholders."
He added that, under CBCCI's initiative, 780 young men and women have completed training so far, with about 400 already securing meaningful employment.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the ISEC Project is implemented by the ILO in collaboration with the DYD. To date, the project has trained more than 20,000 youth, of whom 4,000 have received formal technical training, and about 73% are now employed or self-reliant.
Throughout the day, employers conducted on-the-spot interviews, collected résumés, and offered career guidance. Participants interacted directly with top industry representatives, received personal counselling, and gained insights into current job market trends and emerging opportunities.
Hospitality Sector: Hotel Sea Pearl, Baywatch, Seagull Hotels Ltd., Sayeman Heritage, Hotel The Cox Today, Ramada by Wyndham, Ocean Paradise, Long Beach Hotel, Best Western Heritage, Mermaid Eco Resort & Mermaid Beach Resort, Grace Cox Smart Hotel, Green Nature, Windy Terrace, and Sapphire.
Other Sectors: BRAC Career Hub, Bangladesh Construction Labour Federation, Union Hospital, Inita Institute of Computer and Technology, Hello IT, Creative Communication, Vivo Mobile Communication Co Ltd, Electro Mart Ltd, Beautification Association of Cox's Bazar, and Dimor Real Estate Ltd.
Altogether, Career Carnival 2025 has positioned Cox's Bazar as an emerging hub for skilled human resources — one that contributes not only to the national economy but also to meeting international market demands, the release added.
The event concluded with the guests visiting various stalls and interacting with participants.
