Business Report :
MTB Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Mutual Trust Bank PLC (MTB), and UCEP Bangladesh, a leading non-governmental organization, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to establish the MTB UCEP Skills Training Institute (MUSTI) in Mymensingh.
The three-year initiative, running from July 2025 to June 2028, initially aims to provide market-relevant skills training to 1,200 disadvantaged youth aged 17-35. Participants will complete a six-month (360-hour) program in five high-demand trades: Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Tailoring and Dress Making, Beautification, Bakery and Pastry Production, and Graphic Design. Through this partnership, the MUSTI project seeks to generate significant socio-economic impact by enhancing income opportunities for disadvantaged youth and women. The initiative is designed to address local skill gaps, foster professional growth, and promote sustainable livelihoods, says a press release.
The launch event, held at the MTB Foundation head office in Dhaka, was attended by Rashed Chowdhury, Chairman, MTB Board of Directors; KhwajaNargis Hossain, Director, MTB Board & Chairman, MTB Foundation; Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO, MTB; and Samia Chowdhury, Chief Executive Officer of MTB Foundation, along with Uzma Chowdhury, CPA, Vice-Chairperson, UCEP Board of Governors; Dr. Mohammad Alauddin, Former Chairperson, UCEP Board of Governors; A. Matin Chowdhury, Former Chairperson, UCEP Board of Governors; and Dr. Md. Abdul Karim, Executive Director, UCEP Bangladesh. Senior management of both organizations were present at the event. Speakers emphasized the importance of equipping youth with industry-standard skills to meet both local and international labor market demands, with particular focus on opportunities in Eurasian countries.
The MUSTI project will offer demand-driven training aligned with the National Technical & Vocational Qualification Framework (NTVQF), certified by the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA). Graduates will also benefit from a dedicated job placement program to support their smooth entry into the workforce.
By addressing critical skill gaps and promoting sustainable livelihoods, the MTB Foundation-UCEP MUSTI initiative is set to create lasting socio-economic impact, empowering communities and transforming lives in the Mymensingh region.
