A grand closing ceremony and certificate distribution ceremony of the ‘Digital Skills for Students Training Program’ was held at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium of GAU on Saturday at 11 am with the aim of creating skilled and efficient human resources to build an information technology-based smart Bangladesh.
The ‘Enhancing Digital Government and Economy (EDGE)’ training project is being implemented under the auspices of the University’s Computer Science and Information Technology Department and with the joint funding of the Information and Communication Technology Department and the World Bank. Under this ICT training program, which started its journey in January 2024, about 500 domestic and foreign students of GKRU have already received training in modern technology, digital skills and self-reliance through 20 batches.
The program was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman, and the Secretary of the Office of the Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, M Saifullah Panna, was present as the chief guest. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Mainul Haque, Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Shafiul Islam Afrad and former member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, Md. Rezaul Karim were present as special guests.
In his speech as the chief guest, M Saifullah Panna said, “Digital skills are not only necessary but also essential in the current global reality. Such training programs are preparing the youth to face the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution.” He urged the students to actively participate in freelancing and digital platforms and answered various questions from the students sincerely. In his closing remarks, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman paid his humble tribute to those who died in the tragic 'Milestone Tragedy' of July 21.
Later, he addressed the trainees, saying, "What you have learned today should not be limited to certificates alone. It is our hope that you will contribute to the progress of society and the country from your respective positions by using these skills." In his speech, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the national and global standing of GKRU in various international rankings. The spontaneous presence of directors, teachers, trainers, officials and trainees at the event made the event more lively and meaningful.
It is mentioned that the objective of the EDGE project is to create more than 1 lakh jobs and increase exports in the ICT sector to 300 million dollars by 2026 by creating skilled manpower to build a technology-based economy.
