A humane and developed state cannot be built by leaving any section of society behind, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian said on Sunday, stressing the need for inclusive development and skill-based empowerment.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a 15-day training programme on improving the living standards of marginalised communities, he said people cannot choose where they are born, but they can shape their future through hard work, skills and ambition.
The programme, organised by the Chattogram District Social Services Office, concluded with the distribution of certificates and financial assistance. It was chaired by the office’s Deputy Director Mohammad Omar Faruk.
The DC said Bangladesh’s diversity is one of its strengths, but many marginalised communities remain outside the mainstream of development. The government is implementing programmes to improve their livelihoods through skills development and self-employment opportunities, he said.
Describing the training as “the beginning of a new journey”, he urged participants to continuously upgrade their skills to meet the demands of the global job market.
“If you remain still while the world moves forward, the distance between you and the world will only grow,” he said.
Referring to Dr B R Ambedkar, he said many successful people overcame adversity through determination, adding that the real success of government training programmes lies in whether beneficiaries can improve their lives using the skills they acquire.
The DC also said the housing needs of around 250 transgender families would receive due consideration, alongside efforts to create employment opportunities to ensure a dignified life for them.
He called for market-oriented training based on local employment opportunities and encouraged participants to use digital platforms to enhance their knowledge and skills. Stressing the importance of moral values, he warned that drug abuse erodes conscience and judgement, and urged joint efforts to build a humane and drug-free society.
According to organisers, Tk 92.6 lakh was distributed during the programme, including Tk 12.5 lakh in grants for 25 members of marginalised communities, Tk 66.6 lakh for 205 voluntary organisations, and Tk 13.5 lakh in scholarships for 135 underprivileged and disabled students.
