Skilled Strength: Leaders Stress AI-Driven Workforce Development and Ethical Education
At a seminar titled “Skilled Human Resources: The Foundation of Nation Building” held on Monday, November 10, at the Freedom Fighters Auditorium of the IDB Bhaban in Kakrail, Dhaka, political leaders emphasized the need to transform the country’s population into productive human resources by integrating technological knowledge and artificial intelligence (AI). The event was organized on the occasion of the founding anniversary of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB), and was attended by leaders from several major political parties.
Speaking at the seminar, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that national development cannot be sustained unless the population is transformed into skilled human resources by incorporating AI-based knowledge alongside modern technology. He said, “If we fail to synchronize technological advancement with knowledge of artificial intelligence to convert our population into human resources, national development will not be sustainable.”
He further asserted that when citizens are compelled to visit government offices physically for services, it reflects harassment and corruption. According to him, digital service delivery can significantly reduce wastage of both time and money. He said that if BNP returns to power, initiatives will be taken to expand employment opportunities at the rural level, thereby enabling people to find jobs locally rather than migrating to Dhaka or Chattogram. He pledged, “Within one year of forming the government, employment opportunities will be ensured for ten million people.”
He also said, “The state must be governed based on the will of the people, not from an isolated position in Dhaka. BNP’s goal is to restore the ownership of the state to its rightful owners—the citizens. If BNP assumes power, no new mega-projects will be initiated, and five percent of the national budget will be allocated to the education and health sectors.”
Speaking later in the seminar, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zobair emphasized that skill development must be combined with ethical grounding for national progress. He said, “If there is no ethical foundation alongside skill, the nation cannot advance. We must introduce a future-oriented education system based on advanced technology and moral values.” He also stressed the urgent need to enhance skill development among overseas workers, noting the economic significance of migrant labor.
Referring to the Rana Plaza tragedy, he said, “A doctor’s mistake may cost a single life, but a mistake by an engineer can take many lives. An engineer carries a moral responsibility to humanity.” He further added, “Corruption is consuming all our achievements. We have been proposing reforms to prevent fascism, but once again key decisions are being held hostage by one individual. This nation does not want to fall into that trap again.”
AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman, in the same seminar, called for unity between BNP and Jamaat. He said, “For fifteen years, BNP and Jamaat have fought shoulder to shoulder against fascism, enduring imprisonment, torture, injuries, and martyrdom. So why is there division and hostility between them today? The conflict stems from a struggle for power.” He urged the two parties to restore unity to ensure effective political participation in the coming years.
He mentioned public distrust toward political manifestos, stating, “People no longer believe election promises because we do not fulfill them. We must restore integrity, accountability, and public trust through our leadership.”
The seminar was presided over by IDEB Central Convener Engineer Md. Kabir Hossain. Engineer Kazi Shakhawat Hossain, Central Member Secretary of IDEB, delivered the welcome remarks. The keynote paper was presented by Professor Syed Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the IDEB Education and Training Institute.
Other speakers included LDP Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed, President of Gono Odhikar Parishad Nurul Haque Nur, and Joint Secretary General of Islami Andolan Bangladesh Engineer Ashraful Alam.
