(BSS) - Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hussain has called upon the youth to prioritise technical education in order to tackle unemployment.

Speaking at a conference titled "Youth`s Reform Ideas: Employment, Health and Technology", organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, Sakhawat stressed that youth have the power to bring meaningful changes to society.

"After obtaining university degrees, many young people seek traditional jobs or move overseas for menial work," Dr Hussain stated.

"We must foster a mindset that values small-scale initiatives and entrepreneurship within the country," he added.

Sakhawat also highlighted the growing role of research in both public and private universities, urging stronger collaboration between academia and the government.

"Universities should be more involved in government-led research," he said.

He noted the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Labour and North South University to implement the recommendations of the Labour Reform Commission.

This partnership, he said, will be instrumental in enhancing labour rights and providing vocational training.

Besides, he announced that plans are underway to establish a Directorate of Employment under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, aiming to foster entrepreneurship and generate new employment opportunities across the country.

The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, and young leaders to discuss innovative approaches to address employment, health, and technological challenges facing the nation`s youth.