Khagrachari Deputy Commissioner Praises Zabarang’s Skills Training, Stresses Local Employment Opportunities
KHAGRACHARI, September 7, 2025– In a significant show of support for local development initiatives, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Khagrachhari, Mr. A B M Iftekharul Islam Khandker, conducted a visit to the offices of Zabarang today. He was accompanied by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Khagrachhari Sadar, Mr. Sujan Chandra Roy.
The visit aimed to gain firsthand insight into the impactful work being carried out by the local organization. The delegation was warmly received by the Executive Director of Zabarang, Mr. Mathura Bikash Tripura, along with the Head of Finance and Human Resources, Ms. Popi Tripura, and Program Manager, Mr. Dayananda Tripura, who provided a comprehensive overview of the organization’s diverse programs and activities.
The highlight of the visit was a tour of an ongoing “Off-Job Training” session. This intervention is a key component of the “Creating Jobs and Improving Incomes of Women, Ethnic Communities and Disadvantaged Groups Through Market Driven Skills Training and Entrepreneurship development (CJII)” project. The project is implemented by Zabarang with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) through its nationwide Promoting Gender Responsive Enterprises and TVET Systems (ProGRESS) project in Bangladesh.
Mr. Narayan Chandra Khan, Principal of the Technical Training Center in Khagrachhari, was present as a resource person, underscoring the collaborative nature of the initiative.
Deputy Commissioner Mr. Khandker expressed his deep appreciation for the training program, observing the participants in action. He emphasized the critical role such skills development plays in empowering individuals and boosting the local economy.
“Such type of training will enhance the skill of the participants and it will contribute to self-employment. I am delighted seeing the training,” the DC remarked. He encouraged all trainees to complete the course diligently, stating, “I hope Zabarang will keep continue the good work always.”
The DC specifically praised the project’s focus, which aims to enhance entrepreneurship and business skills in the labour market and enable quality skills training through apprenticeships in informal workplaces. He commended Zabarang’s innovative training modality, which connects learners directly with master craft persons. “They are learning through doing,” he noted, highlighting the effectiveness of this hands-on apprenticeship model in delivering real-world skills.
In a crucial piece of advice to the attendees, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Khandker cautioned against the dangers of illegal overseas employment channels. “I request the participants not be scammed by bad people promising jobs abroad. Instead, always rely on trusted companies or agencies,” he urged.
Shifting the focus to domestic opportunities, he highlighted the growing potential within Bangladesh itself. “Bangladesh also has a wide labour market nowadays, which skilled people can utilise,” he stated, advocating for the exploration of local employment avenues made accessible through such training.
Concluding the visit, the Deputy Commissioner extended his best wishes for Zabarang’s future endeavors and assured the organization of the government’s full support. “The Government line departments will always stand beside Zabarang in such positive interventions,” he promised, marking a strong commitment to fostering partnerships that drive community development and skill-based growth in the region.
