The government is currently implementing 10 projects and has finalized plans for six additional initiatives to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship among unemployed youths nationwide.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque shared this update on Tuesday during a parliamentary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, in response to a scripted question from ruling party lawmaker Mostafizur Rahman Babul (Jamalpur-3).

"Under the Department of Youth Development, 10 projects are currently being implemented across the country with the objective of creating self-employment and employment and developing entrepreneurship among unemployed youths," the state minister stated.

The 10 ongoing projects encompass a diverse range of vocational and technological training, including the Technology Empowerment Centre on Wheels for the Underprivileged Rural People of Bangladesh (2nd Phase); Integrated Resource Management through Extensive Technology for Poverty Alleviation (3rd Phase, 1st revised); Life Skills Education at Youth Training Center and Strengthening the National Youth Platform (LYTC & SNYP Life Skills Project); and the Economic Acceleration and Resilience for NEET (EARN) project.

Additionally, the portfolio includes initiatives such as "Leaving No One Behind: Improving Skills and Economic Opportunities for Women and Youth in Cox’s Bazar (ISEC)"; a Feasibility Study for New Projects of DYD; the Expansion and Modernisation of the Central Human Resource Development Centre; Capacity Enhancement of the Department of Youth Development for Providing ICT Training in 64 Districts (2nd Phase); Freelancing Training for Educated Job-Seeking Youths in All 64 Districts; and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Skills Development for ICT-Skilled Youths.

Minister Aminul Haque further explained that the Department of Youth Development has identified six priority projects designed for quick execution and high impact, aiming to transform jobless youth into a skilled workforce.

These upcoming projects include: Strengthening Upazila-level Training Activities for Employment and Self-employment (2nd Phase); the Vehicle Driving Training Project (2nd Phase); a Caregiver Development Project for Providing Services to Physically and Mentally Disabled Citizens; Freelancing Training for Unemployed Youths in All Metropolitan Cities; and a Mobile Servicing and Language Training initiative for unemployed youths in metropolitan cities, designed to facilitate employment opportunities both domestically and abroad.