AI and Freelancing Programmes Launch Nationwide

Targeting global gig economy opportunities and high-tech market readiness, nationwide initiatives in specialized technological upskilling were rolled out on Thursday (October 1). The eighth cohort of the freelancing training initiative alongside the second batch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) training curriculum officially commenced across all 64 districts during an inaugural event held at the Bhola District Shilpakala Academy.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque formally inaugurated the nationwide programs. The ceremony was attended by Youth and Sports Ministry Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam, Joint Secretary Dr Sheikh Mohammad Zobayed Hossain, E-Learning and Earning Limited Managing Director Masud Alam, senior officials of the Department of Youth Development, project directors, and vendor representatives. Presided over by Bhola Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Dr Shamim Rahman, the opening session brought together 6,400 selected trainees, District Commissioners, and Youth Development Deputy Directors virtually via Zoom.

To drive tech-enabled employment, 4,800 participants were enrolled in the eighth batch under the project titled "Employment Creation through Freelancing Training for Educated Job-Seeking Youth in 64 Districts." Concurrently, 1,600 trainees joined the second cohort of the advanced curriculum under "Skills Development of IT-Knowledgeable Youth through Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology."

Addressing the event, State Minister Md Aminul Haque emphasized that young professionals must aggressively enhance digital capabilities to seize technology-driven global employment, urging trainees to transform their technical proficiencies into self-reliance and national economic contributions. Youth and Sports Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam noted that the curricula align strictly with current industrial job market standards, adding that instructional quality and post-training placements will face continuous monitoring. E-Learning and Earning Limited Managing Director Masud Alam stressed the necessity of continuous technical practice combined with strategic mentorship to secure international contracts.

During the event, 18 accomplished freelancers from six districts of Barishal Division and six top-performing students from the debut AI cohort received honor crests. Furthermore, laptops were awarded to top-earning freelancers Sharif Mohammad Nasrullah of Barishal, Osman Gani of Barguna, Md Shaon Howlader of Jhalokathi, Md Moinul Islam Moin of Pirojpur, and Marufa Amin of Patuakhali, alongside formal recognition for partnering training agencies and key operational leads, according to event sources.

//DBTech/MRS/SMP/BV//