Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, said on Friday that the objective of establishing IT Training and Incubation Centers is to foster a robust startup ecosystem across the country.
Taiyeb, who holds the portfolio for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, made the remarks during the inauguration of an IT Training and Incubation Center in Meherpur. The project was implemented by Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority under the ICT Division.
Addressing the ceremony, Taiyeb emphasized that for an emerging district like Meherpur, creating a skilled workforce and technology-based employment is vital for sustainable development.
"This center will serve three major purposes. "First, it will provide infrastructure to help local entrepreneurs and small IT businesses evolve into successful startups. Second, it will train the youth in freelancing, e-commerce, and ICT to ensure quality employment. Third, it will bridge the gap between academia and industry by connecting universities with the commercial sector," he noted.
The newly inaugurated center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including:
Modern Computer Labs: For hands-on technical training.
Startup Spaces: Dedicated areas for incubation and business growth.
150-Seat Auditorium: For seminars, workshops, and large-scale training sessions.
Taiyeb confirmed that all certifications provided by the center would be verified by the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA), ensuring that graduates receive professional recognition both at home and abroad.
Regarding financial support for new ventures, Taiyeb highlighted that local entrepreneurs can now apply for government startup funds and investment through ‘Startup Bangladesh Limited’ and the ‘iDEA Project’ directly from Meherpur. This move is intended to decentralize the IT sector and reduce the historical dependency on Dhaka.
Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, was present at the event as a special guest.
The event was presided over by Mohammad Saiful Hassan, Member (Joint Secretary) of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority. The inauguration began with the launch of a "Specialized ICT Training for College Teachers" workshop, followed by a ceremonial tree-planting program on the center's premises.
Distinguished attendees included Dr. Sheikh Bakhtiar Uddin, Vice-Chancellor of Meherpur University; Dr. Sayed Enamul Kabir, Deputy Commissioner of Meherpur; and Ujjal Kumar Roy, Superintendent of Police, alongside other government officials.