Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute hosted the regional round of the Skills and Innovation Competition on Saturday, drawing participation from 28 technical education institutions across the division as Bangladesh pushes to align skills training with labour market demand.
A total of 84 student-led projects were showcased, with six selected for the national-level competition scheduled in Dhaka on 17 May, according to organisers.
The event is part of the Accelerating and Strengthening Skills for Economic Transformation (ASSET) Project, implemented by the Directorate of Technical Education under the Technical and Madrasah Education Division of the Ministry of Education, the organisers said in a press release.
Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon attended as chief guest, alongside Technical and Madrasah Education Division Secretary Md Daud Mia NDC as special guest, while Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner A N M Bazlur Rashid chaired the session.
Directorate of Technical Education Director General Abul Khayer Md Akkas Ali delivered the welcome address, with Bangladesh Technical Education Board Chairman Engr Md Ruhul Amin and Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute Principal Md Abu Hanif also speaking at the event.
ASSET Project Deputy Project Director Md Monjurul Islam and Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute Instructor S M Tahmid Sadiq presented papers during the programme.
“Technical education is no longer an alternative stream, it is now a key driver of our national development,” said Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon.
“Sustainable economic progress is not possible without creating a skilled workforce,” he said.
He said countries such as Japan and Germany advanced through skills development and Bangladesh must follow a similar path, focusing on employable and globally competitive skills rather than certification alone.
“Transforming our youth into skilled, innovative and technology-driven human resources is a top priority of the government,” he said, adding that skills competitions serve as a national platform to showcase creativity, competence and confidence among young people.
The minister also emphasised inclusive technical education, including participation from women, marginalised groups and persons with disabilities.
The day-long programme included a rally, a seminar on the importance of technical education and a prize-giving ceremony, attended by officials from the Technical and Madrasah Education Division, Directorate of Technical Education, district and divisional administration, as well as representatives from industry, civil society and media.
Organisers said the institutional round of the competition was held on 27 September 2025 across 211 technical education institutions, where around 10,000 students presented 3,209 projects. Three projects from each institution advanced to the regional stage.
Following regional rounds across eight divisions, 50 projects will compete at the national event in Dhaka, where the top three teams will receive prizes.
