Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday said the government will set up several artificial intelligence (AI) training centres in Sylhet – first of its kind – to equip young people with skills for AI and IT-related work.

“We will start this initiative in Sylhet and gradually expand it to other districts of the division. This will prepare the new generation for freelancing and the international IT sector, while also creating more opportunities to earn foreign currency for the country,” he said.

The minister was speaking at a freshers’ reception and farewell programme organised by the Dhaka University unit of the Jalalabad Chhatra Kalyan Samity at the TSC auditorium of Dhaka University.

Muktadir said there is vast potential for freelancing in Bangladesh, particularly in Sylhet, with many young people currently earning between $500 and $5,000 a month, while some top-tier freelancers earn much more.

The proposed training programme aims to help more young people tap into this potential and become self-reliant earners, he said.

Through freelancing and IT-based work, young people can earn foreign currency and help attract IT-related work from overseas firms to Bangladesh, the minister added.

Stressing the need for investment in education, health and research, he said development is an integrated process.

Muktadir said countries that have achieved sustainable development made key investments in health, education, research and innovation.

Bangladesh must address fundamental challenges in education and health before it can make adequate investments in research, he said.

Without long-term and consistent investment in these two sectors, the minister said, skilled human resources and sustainable economic progress are not possible.

Speaking about the government's target of raising investment in the areas, he said the Prime Minister identified education and health as two priority areas after the present government took office.

Muktadir said the government aims to gradually increase budgetary allocations so that each sector receives an amount equivalent to 5 percent of GDP.

However, describing it as a long-term goal, he said reaching that level is not easy and a long way remains to be covered.

The minister also expressed concern over the state of education in the Sylhet region, saying the division lags behind in divisional literacy rates and various education indicators.

He said the region's position is below expectations compared to the national average in both urban and rural areas, and it also trails in the number of schools, pass rates, quality of primary education, and students' reading and numeracy skills.

Muktadir, however, said this is not due to any lack of talent or capability among the people of Sylhet.

A large number of people from the region have established notable positions in education, politics, business and various other professions in the UK, North America and other countries, he said.

Causes of the region's educational shortcomings, therefore, must be sought in infrastructure, institutional capacity, leadership and other structural limitations, the minister added.

Underscoring the vital role of higher education in building a knowledge-based society and a prosperous future, he said students should not confine university life to earning degrees, but prepare themselves as skilled human resources capable of leadership, research, innovation and nation-building.

Addressing the freshers, Muktadir urged them to make the most of university opportunities and acquire skills that will enable them to contribute effectively to society and the country as well as themselves.

He also called on outgoing students to work with integrity, responsibility and a spirit of service to the nation in their professional life.

Praising the activities of the Jalalabad Chhatra Kalyan Samity, the minister said the organisation can serve as a "beacon of light" in keeping the people of the Sylhet division living in Dhaka united and in advancing Sylhet. 

He urged current and former students to strengthen mutual communication and cooperation to that end.

At the programme, newly admitted students from Sylhet division at Dhaka University were welcomed with flowers, while high-achieving students who successfully completed their university studies were given farewell receptions.