Kamrul Hasan The government is placing strong emphasis on expanding technical education to transform the country`s young population into a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the global labour market. To achieve this goal, the government is working to establish new Technical Schools and Colleges in different parts of the country while expanding career-oriented education, said Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, MP. The minister made the remarks on Saturday (18 July) while inspecting several proposed sites for the construction of a Government Technical School and College in Saturia Upazila of Manikganj District. During the visit, she toured a number of potential locations, including Bil Bilpauli, Baliati DC Park, Bil Baraid, and Tilli, and exchanged views with government officials, local public representatives, education enthusiasts, leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations, as well as local residents. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that under the leadership of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is giving special priority to modernising the country`s education system alongside expanding technical and vocational education. She said that ensuring technology-based education would help transform the country`s human resources into a highly skilled workforce, contributing significantly to both the national economy and the international labour market. During the inspection, the minister assessed various aspects of the proposed sites, including transportation facilities, availability of sufficient land, environmental suitability, and opportunities for future expansion. She later instructed the concerned officials to collect the necessary information, conduct technical assessments, and take appropriate measures to identify the most suitable location in accordance with government policies. While interacting with local residents, Afroza Khanam Rita said, "If a Government Technical School and College is established in Saturia, students of this region will gain access to modern, career-oriented technical education. This will help produce a skilled workforce and create new employment opportunities for the younger generation." She further stated that technical education is indispensable for elevating Bangladesh`s economy to international standards. According to the minister, developing skilled human resources in line with the needs of industrialisation, technological advancement, and the global job market will further accelerate the country`s development. She urged all concerned to carry out their responsibilities with sincerity to achieve this objective. Among those present were officials of the local administration, Rofik Uddin Bhuiya Habu, Member of the Convener Committee of Manikganj District BNP; Abdul Quddus Khan Majlish Makhan, President of Saturia Upazila BNP; Md. Abul Bashar, General Secretary of the Upazila BNP;District Freedom Fighters Command Council President, Freedom Fighter Abdul Mannan, former Joint Vice-President of the District Jubo Dal Kabirul Islam Kabir; Joint Convener of the District Jubo Dal Mohammad Masud Parvez; President of the District Chhatra Dal Md. Abdul Khalek Shuvo; General Secretary Sirajur Rahman Khan Sajeeb; along with leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations, local dignitaries, and a large number of residents. Local people expressed hope that the site would be finalised soon and construction of the Technical School and College would begin without delay. They believe the institution will open new opportunities in the education sector of Saturia, enabling students to acquire modern technical skills and compete successfully in both domestic and international job markets while contributing to the local economy. Education analysts believe that alongside general education, the expansion of technical and technology-based education has become one of the most pressing needs of the time. If implemented, the initiative to establish a Government Technical School and College in Saturia will not only create a new educational institution but also play a significant role in developing a skilled workforce, generating employment, and promoting the socio-economic development of the region.