Government plans to introduce Italian as a third language: Mahdi Amin

The government plans to introduce Italian as a third language alongside Bangla and English to improve the employability of Bangladeshi workers seeking jobs abroad, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Labour and Employment and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin has said.

He said the government would seek assistance from the Italian Embassy to introduce Italian language courses at Technical Training Centres (TTCs) across the country, drawing on Italy's expertise in training workers for overseas employment.

Mahdi Amin made the remarks at an event titled “Language, Civic and Professional Training for Skilled Migration to Italy” at a hotel in the capital on Tuesday.

Calling for cooperation from the Italian Embassy, the Prime Minister's Office spokesperson said the government's election manifesto had placed particular emphasis on introducing a third language alongside Bangla and English. He added that the government also intended to introduce other foreign languages to strengthen the competitiveness of Bangladeshi workers in international labour markets.

Describing the initiative as more than a standalone project, Mahdi Amin said it could become a model for wider implementation and expansion. He noted that Italy's experience and international best practices, supported by government-level cooperation and the European Union (EU), could help advance the programme.

Addressing the trainees, he said the elected government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was committed to providing the necessary support to workers preparing to go abroad for employment.

He said the trainees were currently learning Italian alongside Bangla and English through a five- to six-month training programme.

“The trainees are not only building their own careers but also helping develop a new model for Bangladesh. The government will take initiatives to prepare future generations of workers for overseas employment by following their example,” Mahdi Amin said.

Highlighting government initiatives for expatriates, he said the government had already introduced Family Cards and Farmers' Cards and was working to launch a Probashi Card for Bangladeshi expatriates.

He added that the government would try to distribute the cards to the trainees before their departure for Italy.