The Dhaka Times Desk The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Grameenphone jointly launched the 'FutureNation: Graduate Employment in Private Sector' program at a hotel in the capital to create economic opportunities for all and fast-track towards Smart Bangladesh by 2041.
Joint ventures of the public, private and development sectors are working to create opportunities for development, employment, ventures and investments, with the goal of ensuring the economic growth of the country by increasing their skills to overcome the global epidemic.
Honorable Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F. Rahman was present as the chief guest of the event titled 'FutureNation: Graduate Employment in Private Sector Program', State Minister of ICT Department Junaid Ahmed Palak was the special guest, BIDA Executive Chairman Md. Sirajul Islam, UNDP Strategic Advisor Radwan Mujeeb Siddique, BIDA International Investment Promotion Executive Member Mohsina Yasmin, UNDP Resident Representative Sudipta Mukherjee and Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman.
In his welcome speech, UNDP Resident Representative Sudipta Mukherjee said, “The global job market is constantly changing. We need to ensure that young people can adapt to the new realities of rapidly changing economies and technologies.”
Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Salman F Rahman, Adviser on Private Industry and Investment to the Honorable Prime Minister said, “After realizing the dream of Digital Bangladesh, the government now aims to successfully participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR). That is why the government is working to establish 'Smart Bangladesh' by creating employment for the youth through various ICT initiatives, which is a prerequisite for maintaining the country's prosperity. I applaud this initiative of Futurnation by Grameenphone, UNDP and BIDA.”
State Minister of ICT Department Junaid Ahmed Palak said in his speech, “Bangladesh is in a unique position to enjoy the benefits of demographic dividend. But to achieve these benefits, creating sustainable employment opportunities and upskilling the youth with digital skills is critical. We must work together to reduce the disparity between urban and rural areas by digitally connecting the country as a whole. Futurnation is the result of a collective effort towards that goal.”
Radwan Mujeeb Siddique, Strategic Adviser of UNDP, in a video message, expressed his views on Futuration, “Through improved grooming and realistic screening, Futuration will contribute to upskilling the youth to make them employable.
I am glad to see such a joint effort behind this very important area of skill building with the help of technology and innovation. Such initiatives will undoubtedly play an effective role in developing the skills of the youth and preparing them for hands-on work.”
Telenor EVP and Head of Asia Jurgen C. Arentz Rostrup said in his video message, “Opportunity for the youth is very important for any nation and it is also very important for Bangladesh. Grameenphone has been creating employment opportunities for the past 25 years. At Telenor we believe any strong partnership helps move the country forward.”
Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman said, “I see great potential in working with the youth of Bangladesh to prepare them for the future of the industry. Now is the time to do it! The youth will play the biggest role in the progress of Bangladesh to become a developed nation by 2041. In this regard, Grameenphone is proud to take the lead from the private sector and contribute to the development of young manpower through Futurenation together with UNDP and BIDA.”
A panel discussion on 'Graduate Employer Challenges in Bangladesh' was held after the launch of the platform; Where BIDA's International Investment Promotion executive member-3 Mohsina Yasmin spoke; Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority Managing Director (Grade-01) Bikarna Kumar Ghosh; Basis President Russell T Ahmed; Unilever Bangladesh Managing Director Javed Akhtar; Anir Chowdhury, Policy Advisor of UNDP; Telenor SVP and Head of External Relations Asia Haakon Bruaset Jol and Dhaka University ICE Center Executive Director Rashedur Rahman. The program ended with vote of thanks by Van Nuyen, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh.
FutureNation has developed a 'Home-Grown Aptitude Assessment Tool', which will help the corporate and private sector find suitable employees with the required skills for their organizations. Reputed companies including Walton, Akiz, Pran-RFL, Abul Khair Group, Nasir Group, NAGAD and ACI have been listed as potential employers for this programme; Besides, other educational institutions including Dhaka University, North South University and BRAC University will act as potential academies for Futurnation. News bulletins.
Things to do to prevent Corona virus
# try to stay at home all the time.
# Follow the rules and use mask when going out for emergency.
# three-layer cloth mask can be washed if desired.
# wash clothes after coming home from outside. Or hang it without shaking for at least four hours.
# Wash hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) with soap or liquid before coming outside.
# plastic PPE or eyes, face, head must be washed thoroughly with detergent and dried after one use.
# Wear PPE made of cloth or clean as described.
# Use a head cap that completely covers the hair.
# Those who have sneeze cough should follow all the rules promulgated by the government. Also, wash hands as directed before and after handling food items, keys, switches, mice, remote controls, mobiles, watches, computer desks, TVs, etc. and after using the bathroom. Those who have dry hands use Moisture after washing their hands. Soap or hand liquid can be used. Why can this virus remain in the crackle (cracked part) of dry hands? Avoid using highly alkaline soaps or detergents.
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