Nationwide AI Training Programme Launched

The Department of Youth Development has officially launched a nationwide Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme under its project titled "Skill Development of IT-Literate Youth through Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology." The inauguration ceremony was held on Sunday (2 August) at the Momo Inn Auditorium in Bogura, where State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque formally launched the programme as the chief guest.

Special guests at the event included State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari, members of parliament from Bogura district, the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, the Administrator of the District Council, the Project Director, and representatives of the training provider. 

The programme was chaired by Mahbub-Ul-Alam, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Nearly 2,000 trainees, project officials, trainers, and coordinators from different districts across the country joined the inauguration virtually.

In his inaugural address, State Minister Md. Aminul Haque said the government is working to equip young people with AI-based skills to prepare them for technology-driven workplaces. He noted that the training programme would create opportunities for both employment and self-employment. During his speech, he also announced the government's plan to establish ten international-standard sports villages across the country, including one in Bogura.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said the government's initiative to develop technology-based skills would help expand employment opportunities at the local level. He encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills in the job market.

State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari said that such initiatives would play an important role in developing a skilled, technology-driven workforce. He stressed the importance of regular participation and practical skill development throughout the training programme.

Masud Alam, Managing Director of e-Learning and Earning Ltd., said the project has been designed to develop AI-related competencies among young people. He added that trainees will receive hands-on experience with a range of modern AI tools, enabling them to meet the demands of both domestic and international job markets.

In his closing remarks, Mahbub-Ul-Alam, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said the project's objective is to develop IT-literate youth into AI-skilled professionals. He said the programme is expected to strengthen technology-based employment, promote self-employment and entrepreneurship, and enhance opportunities for earning foreign exchange through digital services.

According to the organisers, the first phase of the project has selected 1,600 trainees, with 25 participants from each of the country's 64 districts. A total of 448 training batches will be conducted, each comprising 25 trainees. Every course will run for two months and include 50 classes, providing a total of 300 hours of training.

During the event, eight top-earning freelancers under the Department of Youth Development's ongoing freelancing project received laptops in recognition of their achievements. In addition, 24 freelancers from different districts of the Rajshahi Division were honoured with commemorative awards.