Skills gap threatens Bangladesh’s industrial competitiveness

Bangladesh’s ambition to remain competitive in global manufacturing will increasingly hinge on its ability to build a skilled workforce, bridge the gap between classrooms and factories, and create a business environment capable of turning knowledge into productivity, Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan has said.

He stressed that developing skilled human resources and practical industrial expertise was no longer an option but a necessity for Bangladesh to sustain growth and compete in increasingly technology-driven global markets.

The commerce secretary made the remarks on Saturday at a pre-departure reception for eight students of the National Institute of Textile Engineering and Research (NITER) at the office of the Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) in Gulshan, Dhaka.

The students have been selected for technical training at Zhejiang Agricultural Business College in China, giving them an opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to modern industrial practices and technical expertise.

As the chief guest, Ataur Rahman Khan praised BCCCI President Mohammad Khorshed Alam for taking the initiative to develop skilled manpower for Bangladesh’s textile sector.

He said such practical and timely initiatives could make a significant contribution to national development, particularly at a time when Bangladesh’s textile and garment industries face mounting pressure to improve productivity, technology and competitiveness.

Private-sector initiatives that expose students to real-world industrial practices not only strengthen the skills base but can also encourage other business leaders to invest in developing the country’s human capital, he said.