Chattogram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia has said that building a humane and developed state is impossible if any section of society is left behind. He emphasized that while people cannot choose where they are born, they can shape their future through hard work, skills and ambitious goals.
He also urged beneficiaries to utilize government financial assistance for productive purposes rather than consumption, noting that the funds come from taxpayers' hard-earned money.
He made the remarks on Sunday as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of a 15-day training programme titled "Improving the Living Standards of Marginalized Communities," organized by the Chattogram District Social Services Office. The event also included the distribution of certificates and financial grants. The programme was chaired by Mohammad Omar Faruk, Deputy Director of the District Social Services Office.
The Deputy Commissioner said Bangladesh is a diverse country where people from different communities have lived in harmony for generations. However, many marginalized groups remain outside the mainstream of development. To improve their living standards, enhance their skills, and create self-employment opportunities, the government has been implementing various development programmes.
Addressing the trainees, he said the completion of training is not the end but the beginning of a new journey. He stressed the need for continuous skill development to meet the demands of the global job market, adding, "If you remain stationary while the world moves forward, the distance between you and the world will only increase."
Describing time as life's most valuable asset, he encouraged participants to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. Citing the example of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar said many successful people have overcome adversity to reach their positions and urged trainees to move forward with confidence instead of making excuses for failure.
During the event, 25 participants from fishing, transgender, ascetic, Harijan, and service communities who successfully completed the 15-day training programme received Tk 50,000 each, totaling Tk 12 lakh 50 lakh, along with certificates. In addition, 205 voluntary organizations received grants amounting to Tk 66 lakh 60 thousand, while 135 students with disabilities and from underprivileged backgrounds were awarded scholarships totaling Tk 13 lakh 50 thousand. Altogether, financial assistance worth Tk 92 lakh 60 thousand was distributed at the programme.