The government has decided to recruit 500,000 personnel to fill vacant positions across public offices nationwide, says the Prime Minister.
During PM's question hour in the Jatiya Sangsad Wednesday, Tarique Rahman disclosed that a search got underway to find alternative overseas job markets, now that the Gulf Arab world passes through turmoil following US-Israel attacks on Iran.
In response to a written question raised by BNP lawmaker Md. Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas from Pabna-5, Prime Minister Tarique also said all ministries and divisions have formulated action plans based on a 180-day programme to implement the commitments outlined in the government's election manifesto, and that "necessary steps have already been taken".
As part of this initiative, the decision has been made to recruit 500,000 government employees to fill vacancies. Of these, recruitment processes for 2,879 positions are currently underway within the Ministry of Public Administration and its affiliated offices and agencies.
Highlighting government efforts to modernise the education system, the newly elected Prime Minister said within the next 180 days, free Wi-Fi services will be introduced in 2,336 technical educational institutions and 8,232 madrasas across the country.
"This will enable students to access online learning resources more easily."
He also announces plans to establish open playgrounds in every union and upazila, covering 8.0 bighas and 10 bighas of land respectively. A central committee is currently working to designate playgrounds in both urban and rural areas.
The Prime Minister further states that the ceiling for collateral-free loans under the "language student visa" programme has been increased from Tk 300,000 to Tk 1,000,000. Students will now be able to access these loans more easily based on proof of eligibility (COE) even before obtaining a visa.
In addition, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told the House, effective steps have been taken to launch operations of the international payment-gateway PayPal in Bangladesh. A committee has been formed to ensure effective management of high-tech parks and ICT centres, as well as to facilitate PayPal's operations in the country. The global platform has expressed interest in entering Bangladesh on multiple occasions, including during the tenure of the interim government.
Responding to another question, the PM said his government was taking steps to reduce dependence on traditional Middle-Eastern labour markets by pursuing bilateral agreements with new countries.
"As part of this initiative, Bangladesh is planning to sign agreements with seven countries, including Serbia, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Portugal, Brazil, and Russia. Besides, other potential labour markets are also being explored to widen employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers abroad."
Responding to a query from another lawmaker, from Narsingdi-5, the Prime Minister said high-level visits are being arranged to strengthen bilateral ties and facilitate overseas employment beyond the Middle East. Bangladeshi missions abroad have been instructed to identify sector-specific demand for workers in respective countries.
Based on recommendations from these missions, the government plans to appoint local lobbyists and expert firms in different countries to help secure employment opportunities and streamline recruitment processes.
The head of government also notes that discussions are underway to reopen the labour market in Malaysia, while initiatives have been taken to sign a recruitment agreement with Thailand.
Highlighting opportunities in East Asia, he says demand for Bangladeshi workers remains strong in Japan. To meet this demand, the government has expanded Japanese language-and skills-training programmes. Currently, 53 Technical Training Centres (TTCs) across the country are offering Japanese language courses. Moreover, initiatives have been taken to introduce training in Russian, Arabic, German, and Italian languages, with 41 language instructors already recruited to support the programme.
During the question-and-answer session on Wednesday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening coastal economy, with a focus on sustainable development, blue economy expansion and tourism infrastructure in the southern region.
The prime minister said the development of the blue economy through the scientific and sustainable use of marine resources remains a key priority outlined in the BNP election manifesto.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
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