Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 12, 2026 (BSS)- A 10-day long soft skills training has started 
in Paba upazila with the aim of improving the living standards of 
marginalized professionals by increasing their skills and confidence.
 
The training was inaugurated this noon in the Upazila Parishad (UP) 
conference room under the project "Livelihood Improvement of Marginalized 
Professional Communities of Bangladesh (2nd Phase)".
 
Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, inaugurated the training as the chief 
guest saying professions passed down through generations are still the main 
livelihood for many people. 

However, with changing times and market competition, it is now difficult to 
survive with only professional skills.
 
Due to a lack of skills such as communication, behavior, time management and 
customer service, many marginalized professionals are falling behind in 
getting proper valuation for their work and products.

In this reality, soft skills training has started as improving the living 
standards of marginalized and backward people is one of the top priorities of 
the current government. 

Along with preserving traditional professions, the government has taken 
initiatives for training and financial assistance to increase the income and 
employment opportunities of professionals.
 
He further said that providing only financial assistance will not be enough, 
marginalized professionals must be made self-reliant by acquiring skills. 

If they can utilize skills, training and necessary capital, they will be able 
to make a significant contribution to the country's economy as well as 
improve their own living standards.
 
It was informed in the training workshop that 30 professionals from 10 
traditional professions including blacksmiths, potters, cobblers, barbers, 
folk instrumentalists, Nakshi kantha artisans, and bamboo and cane product 
makers are participating in this training.
 
The training will provide ideas on various soft skills required in 
professional life including communication skills, behavior, time management 
and customer service. Certificates will be given to the participants at the 
end of the training.
 
At the same time, each of them will be given a one-time grant of Taka 18,000 
for the development of their respective professions and to improve their 
living standards. The training will continue until September 24.
 
The training workshop organised by the Paba Upazila Social Services Office 
was presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ibnul Abedin.
 
The programme was conducted by Upazila Social Service Officer Mohammad 
Hossain Khan.
 
At that time, district BNP member Sheikh Maqbul Hossain, Paba Upazila BNP 
convener Ali Hossain, member secretary Abdur Razzak, joint convener Sultan 
Ahmed and Nowhata Municipal BNP president Rafiqul Islam Rafiq were present.