Through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States brought together leaders from youth organizations across the country and the private sector to establish new partnerships for youth employment and greater prosperity.   USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer, visiting from Washington, D.C., joined USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman and Shikho CEO Shahir Chowdhury to sign a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in building the job skills of Bangladeshi youth and unlock employment opportunities. USAID convened its first-ever youth-private sector marketplace event to connect businesses like Visa and Shikho with youth organizations like Jaago and the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center to identify and strengthen skills needed to modernize the country’s workforce, while enabling youth to contribute more fully to Bangladesh’s economic growth. “Providing youth with more marketable job skills will make Bangladesh more competitive and help position the country to be the next ‘Asian Tiger’ – a royal Bengal tiger – and deliver on the promise of providing more equitable opportunities for prosperity to all citizens,” said USAID Assistant Administrator Schiffer.  USAID’s education and youth programs are increasingly seeking private sector partners to invest in building the skills of youth in classrooms, communities, and in the workplace.   The United States has partnered with Bangladesh for more than 50 years and provided more than $8 billion to improve health, education, agriculture, food security, and humanitarian assistance, and strengthen resilience to climate change and natural disasters.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today laid emphasis on exploring overseas employment opportunities in new countries and sending skilled workforce there, urging expatriate Bangladeshis to send remittance to the country through legal channels. "We have to find new employment areas and new countries (for sending workforce). We will arrange befitting training (for the workers) that a country needs," she said. The Premier said this while delivering the introductory speech at the second meeting of the national steering committee on expatriates' welfare and overseas employment at her official residence Ganabhaban. Mentioning that the government has already started sending workers to a few new countries, she said "We have to send skilled workforce and that is why we've arranged multipurpose training facilities for our workers." "If we can send skilled workforce through proper training, we have a big opportunity to attain economic solvency," she added. She also asked the officials concerned to look into the matters so that Bangladeshi expatriate workers stay well and encourage them to send remittance using legal channels. The Prime Minister said if remittance is sent through "hundi", the money might go to someone else (it may be family members) and they may spend it, resulting in no saving here for the sender. She added that sometimes the remitted money also gets misused. "Many of the expatriate workers after returning home find that there is no money in the country what he had sent. And many have to undergo this kind of problem," she observed. To this end, Sheikh Hasina said that her government has given incentive on the inward remittance if it is sent using the banking or legal channels. Mentioning the establishment of the Probashi Kallyan Bank by her government, she directed the bank authorities to extend the facilities, by appointing agents where there is no branch of the bank, so that the expatriates could send remittance easily staying at their place of residence. "If you (expatriates) send money through banks, you will spend as much as you need and the rest will be saved," she said, adding: "You can use this saving after returning home." The head of government said if money is sent using "hundi", it will go to another hand, but there is no such possibility in the bank. She also said that the expatriate workers after returning home can take loan from the bank along with their savings money. The Prime Minister directed the officials concerned to carry out massive awareness campaigns to this end. She also put emphasis on the necessity of building awareness so that people do not fall into cheating while going to overseas work and get proper employment. In this regard, she said her government has set up digital centres across the country and the overseas job-seekers can register themselves to the expatriates' welfare ministry by visiting the centres. "If they (overseas job-seekers) go abroad with appropriate training, they would not fall into danger," she said. About the female workers, Sheikh Hasina said those going for overseas employment with proper training following the proper way remain well but those who fall into the clutches of middlemen are facing sufferings. She urged everyone to become aware about this. Referring to the learning and earning campaign launched by the government for the freelancers, she said that now the country has started to yield the result of it. She said the freelancers are bringing foreign currency to the country staying home, which was not in calculation earlier. Sheikh Hasina said that at present there are sufficient employment opportunities in the country and people are earning more. She mentioned that a day-labourer who used to earn Taka 200-300 per day in the past, now can earn Taka 600-1000 per day depending on the nature of work. The minimum earning is Taka 500-600. Earning in the rural areas is higher than this amount, she said, adding that during the paddy harvesting season the amount is Taka 700-800 with three meals a day. "The rural economy has improved a lot. If anyone goes to rural areas it will be seen that the standard of living there has improved a lot," he said. Sometimes scarcity of labour is also seen as people are becoming solvent, she added.

Commercial Floriculture in Indian administrated Jammu and Kashmir is helping the farmers to multiply their profits with the help of government-sponsored schemes and other related interventions. Commercial Floriculture, a specialized form of Horticulture aimed at augmenting the income of Growers and generating employment opportunities involves setting up of ornamental nurseries, aromatic oil crop farming like lavender, cut flower production of rose, carnation, gerbera, lilium, among others as well as bulb production of iris, daffodils, dahlia, lilium, gladiolus, peonia, cyclamen, ranunculus, etc. According to an official statement, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) like MIDH, RKVY, and ATMA are being implemented for the promotion of the commercial Floriculture Sector in Jammu and Kashmir. "The department is organizing regular sessions of training within and outside Jammu and Kashmir for farmers/growers in order to make them aware of modern trends in the floriculture sector," the statement said. "Unemployed youths and farmers register themselves under these schemes and start their own businesses in loose and cut flower production, aromatic plant cultivation, ornamental nursery and use of integrated farming for their employment and revenue generation," it added. Floriculture products mainly consist of cut flowers, pot plants, cut foliage, seeds bulbs, tubers, rooted cuttings and dried flowers or leaves. The important floricultural crops in the international cut flower trade are Rose, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Gargera, Gladiolus, Gypsophila, Liatris, Nerine, Orchids, Archilea, Anthurium, Tulip, and Lilies. Notably, the cultivation of lavender as part of commercial Floriculture has changed the fortunes of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir under the 'Aroma Mission or Purple Revolution', an initiative of the Central government towards transforming the lives of UT's farmer community. "As per official data, Purple or Lavender revolution was launched in 2016 by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology through the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's (CSIR) Aroma Mission. The aim of the mission is to support domestic aromatic crop-based agro-economy by moving from imported aromatic oils to home-grown varieties," it said. Lavender cultivation is practiced in almost all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Under the mission, first-time farmers were given free lavender saplings while those who had cultivated lavender before were charged Rs. 5-6 per sapling. "Farmers are happy with the farming of unconventional aromatic plants under Aroma Mission. The mission promotes the cultivation of aromatic crops for essential oils that are in great demand by the aroma industry," it added. Rubbena Tabassum from Yarikalan Chadoora, Budgam has became an inspiration for many youth particularly women due to her dedication and passion which eventually helped her to set up Nursery of Flowers. Rubeena said that she started her venture titled as United Floritech with cut flowers. "I started a variety of flowers in my Nursery by adding flowers like Lilium, Glidulous and other flowers. Due to huge public demand, I had to hire additional manpower, says Rubeena. Now I am not only self-employed, but I provide employment to other workers," Rubeena said. "Department of Floriculture also contributed a lot by providing 50 per cent financial assistance to erect structure and assistance in procuring high value variety flowers which eventually resulted into flourishing of My Nursery of Flowers," she added. Bharat Bhushan, a resident of village Lehrote, Block Bhalla Doda felt proud of his decision to adopt lavender farming as his income has gradually increased beyond expectations. "Seeing my success all my fellow villagers have switched from maize to lavender farming," he said.  Source: ANI

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Saturday) said her government would arrange permanent accommodation and employment for the differently able persons including the people with autism aimed at securing their lives. "We have eight divisions. We will first ensure it (permanent accommodation and employment) in the eight divisions and in phases, we will make it in each district," she said. The prime minister said this at a function in the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Dhaka, joining virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence in the city this morning. The Social Welfare Ministry organised the function marking the 15th World Autism Awareness Day. The premier at the function also inaugurated two apps "Bolte Chai" and "Smart Autism Barta" which will help autistics with speaking problem speak and diagnose autism respectively. Sheikh Hasina said the permanent accommodation and employment for differently able persons and the people with autism will be ensured under the "Neuro Developmental Disability Protection Trust". "We can build hostels or dormitories for them through the trust where people will be there to look after them," she said. She also asked the social welfare minister to take a project for arranging permanent accommodation and employment for disabled people as they feel secured if their guardians aren't alive to support them. The prime minister said her government is working for giving a beautiful and improved life to every people in the society that included autistics and disabled. "We're taking Bangladesh ahead towards prosperity. We're running the state to ensure a beautiful life for the every section of people," she said. She called upon all particularly the affluent persons to stand beside the disabled and provide them with necessary assistance, including financial aid and jobs at their organizations, to ensure their meaningful livelihood and flourish their hidden talents. The prime minister said it is the responsibilities of all the wealthy citizens of the country to take care of the differently able people, adding, "They're our kith and kin." She said the people with autism can establish their life as they have huge talents. "We will have to create scope for them to flourish their hidden merit," she said, calling for not showing negligence anymore to them. Referring to winning gold and silver in the Special Olympics and recent championship title in the four-nation special cricket tournament by the Bangladeshi differently able people, she said the normal players of the country even could not do it. Coming to power after 21 years in 1996, she said the Awami League government started working for the betterment of the disabled people.   The term of autism was not familiar at that time, she said. Sheikh Hasina, who herself offers great patronage to autistics, said the issue was completely unknown and unattended in Bangladesh and even to her. With her daughter Saima Wazed Putul taking the lead, she said the importance and awareness about autism have increased nationally and internationally. Requesting the parents and guardians for putting in effort to integrate the autistics into the mainstream society brushing shyness about their children's physical and mental barriers, the prime minister asked them to spend more times with their children. Stressing the need for changing mindset of the society, she said, "We should not consider disabled people as a burden of the society. They have also the right to lead meaningful life and we the people having sound health should fulfill their rights." The theme of the World Autism Awareness Day-2022 is 'Inclusion in the Workplace'. The United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need for enhanced initiatives by all to improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from autism. Social Welfare Minister Nuruzzaman Ahmed presided over the function while State Minister for Social Welfare Md Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru and its Secretary Mahfuza Akhter spoke. At the function, on behalf of the prime minister, the social welfare minister handed over awards to the three children with autism, three organisations, two persons and a mother in four categories in recognition of their contribution to different fields. Three children with autism -- Masudul Iman, Muntasir Enam and Esaba Habib Sushmi -- have got a crest, certificate and a cheque of Tk 50,000 each for their contribution to the society. Three organisations -- NI Khan Foundation, RTV and Foundation for Women and Children -- and two persons -- Suborna Chakma and Prof Khandoker Abdullah Al Mamun -- received the honorary letter in recognition to their contribution to development and ensuring safety to the people with autism and Sharmin Chaudhury got the award as a successful mother of a autistic child. On behalf of the people with autism, the minor girl Esaba Habib Sushmi also addressed the function. A video documentary on the government's measures for giving a beautiful and improved life to the people with autism was also screened. Putting emphasis on inclusive education for the children with disabilities, Sheikh Hasina said they should be given scope to pursue study with general students. "It is not enough to arrange co-education for them rather should give them more scope to mix with general students. The more the children with autism will get scope to mingle with general students the more the chance of their recovery will increase," she said. In this connection, she said the government has been giving monthly education stipend of Taka 750 to 1300 disabled students as they can continue their study. Mentioning that 20 lakh and eight thousands of disabled people are now getting Tk 750 per month, she said one corer and two lakh people are currently getting various allowances under the social safety net programme. The prime minister said they have established the National Disabled Development Foundation in 1999. She stressed the need for creating awareness about autism not only in Bangladesh but also across the globe to know how to behave with them. And for this, proper training is needed for the parents, teachers and concerned people, she added. She said Bangladesh was well aware of the disabled and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman established co-education schools after achieving independence in 1971 for the visually impaired under the jurisdiction of the then Social Welfare Department. The premier also put emphasis on diagnosing autism of newly born children to give proper treatment to them for early recovery. For this reason, she said her government has established Institute of Pediatric Neuro Disorder and Autism (IPNA) at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Sheikh Hasina said two laws - "The Persons with Disability Rights and Protection Trust Act, 2013" and "The Neuro Developmental Disability Protection Act, 2013" - were passed in the parliament to protect interests of the persons with disabilities. Under the trust law, she said a "Neuro Developmental Disability Protection Trust" was formed in 2014. Since its establishment, the government has allocated Taka 143 crore, she added. Spelling out her government's initiatives for the overall development of the disabled, she said they have already built a complex for disabled persons at Mirpur. An 'Autism Resource Centre' has started functioning on the campus of Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation in 2010 at Mirpur, the prime minister said. To provide free residential medical services, training and education to the autistic children and older disabled people, a multipurpose complex, Subarna Bhaban, was established, she said. The premier said shelter homes for 275 disabled and people with autism were also built in the complex. Sheikh Hasina said the Father of the Nation had allocated huge areas in each of 19 districts after independence under the supervision of social welfare ministry to build orphanage or other welfare oriented organisations. Bangabandhu also introduced one percent quota in public jobs for the disabled people, she said. Later, the premier witnessed a cultural show performed by people with autism. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina advised youths to use their talents in creating employment opportunities instead of seeking jobs, expecting the “Mujib Year” to be marked for generating employment for all. “It will not be wise to sit idle awaiting jobs . . . you (youths) have to be capable enough to create employment opportunities instead of running after jobs,” she said while distributing the National Youth Award, 2019 at her office in the capital on Thursday. The premier asked the youths to utilize their innovative ideas, talents, efficiency and strengths for expanding the country’s job market. Sheikh Hasina handed over awards to 22 self-employed youths and five youth organizers in recognition to their contributions towards generating employment for themselves and others. As many as 445 self-employed youths and organizers have so far been awarded with the accolade since its inception from 1986. The premier came with the opinion that none will remain jobless in the country if the youths have self-confidence and self dignity. She said that youths should develop themselves with a mindset of not running after the jobs rather to generate employments as the government has set a target that none will remain unemployed marking the “Mujib Year”. The premier added: “(Think) what should you (youths) do for yourselves and for others and bear in the mind that you will not do any job rather to create employment for others.” In this context, she said, “There was a mindset in our country that one will be treated as unemployed as he didn’t do jobs.” Referring to some examples, she said the people of the country still do not think that freelancing is a job despite the freelancers can earn huge money. “This mindset should be changed,” she opined. She asked the youths to capitalize the multilateral scopes which have been created by her government for generating employment and promised to do everything for the youths. The premier simultaneously called upon the youths to stay away from terrorism, militancy, narcotics and corruption, saying, “You should prevent the menaces. We have to build a secured society where the people can live peacefully and can take the country forward further.” State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel presided over the function, while Youth and Sports Secretary Md. Akhter Hossain delivered the welcome speech. Director General of the Department of Youth Development Akhtaruz Zaman Khan Kabir was also on the dais. Engineer Md Atikur Rahman, who secured the award as the country’s best successful self-employed youth, and Parveen Akter, who received the award as the country’s best youth organizer under the women category, spoke on the occasion on behalf of the recipients. Atikur of Kalai Upazila in Joypurhat developed a fisheries and livestock farm after getting trainings from the local office of the Department of the Youth Development. Now the capital of his farm stands at over Taka 5 crore and some 115 workers are now employed in the farm. Spelling out various measures taken by her government for creating jobs, Sheikh Hasina said, “We have created employment for two crore people since assuming office in 2009.” The premier urged the youths to initiate business after taking loan from the Start Up Fund, saying, “We have allocated Taka 100 crore as Start Up Fund (in the budget) as part of the move to create entrepreneurs.” In this context, she said her government has been setting up 100 economic zones across the country which will create huge employment opportunities. The premier said her government has taken massive measures incorporating sports and culture for the overall development of the youths as Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman wanted to develop themselves as educated and strengthened ones. In this context, she said her government’s target is to make the youths as efficient work forces. Stressing the need for imparting the youths with appropriate training, the premier said that they have taken measures under various ministries to arrange training for the youths as they could create employments for themselves and others. Besides, the government has also wanted to send trained and efficient workers abroad, she added. The premier said her government is set to start giving technical education to students from class six. The premier said her government has been working to reach urban amenities to each of the villages. “We have been working to reach the benefit of the Liberation War to each home with turning the country into a developed and prosperous one free from hunger and poverty as dreamt by the Father of the Nation,” she said. Sheikh Hasina earlier witnessed a power point presentation on the master plan of the Training Institute to be constructed at Dhamrai of Dhaka for the National Security Intelligence. Chief architect of the Department of Architecture A S M Aminur Rahman highlighted key features of the plan through the power point presentation. Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmed Kaikaus, PMO Secretary Md. Tofazzel Hossain Miah and NSI Director General (DG) Major General TM Jobaer were present. Source: BSS AH

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal asserted that employment opportunities for 3 crore youths would be created in the country by 2030. The Finance Minister said this while addressing a rally of Jubo League as the chief guest held at Baghmara High School Ground under Lalmai upazila in Cumilla district on Saturday. Noting that the World Bank and the IMF have highly lauded the economic progress of Bangladesh, he said, “They (WB and IMF) are highly impressed at the economic progress of Bangladesh. They’ve highlighted us before the other countries in a positive manner and we have a huge potential of skilled young workforce,” Kamal said Bangladesh is now passing through its best time in the economic front as well as the country is also in an advantageous position considering the global economic context. Urging the Jubo League leaders and workers to groom themselves imbued with the spirit and ideals of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he also urged them not in indulge in any kind of corruption, terrorism, and drug addiction. “You’ll (Jubo League leaders and workers) have to always keep in mind that honesty is the utmost power when comes to building a country properly, it is very much necessary to utilize the merits and talents of the youths properly,” he added. Chaired by Lalmai Upazila Jubo League convenor MA Motaleb, Lalmai Upazila Parishad Chairman Abdul Malek, Cumilla Sadar Dakshin Upazila Chairman Golam Sarwar, Lalmai Upazila Awami League President Abdul Hamid and General Secretary Kalyan Mitra Singho spoke, among others, on the occasion. Source: BSS AH

The government has approved the draft of ‘Motorcycle Industry Development Policy-2018’. The approval came at the cabinet meeting on Monday. The cabinet meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at Tejgaon in the capital. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting. Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam said these at a press briefing held at the conference room of the cabinet in the secretariat after the meeting. The Cabinet Secretary said, the policy is endorsed for expansion of the local motorcycle industry so that motorcycles are not to be imported. He said, it will be encouraged to build up world class motorcycle production factories instead of available motorcycle assembling industries in Bangladesh. The aim is to create huge employment opportunities in this sector. In the policy the target is fixed to promote employment opportunity direct or indirectly in motorcycle sector to 15 lakh by the year 2027 increasing it from 5 lakh, he added.   AH