The Association of Bangladeshi Students in Northern Italy (ABSNI) under the patronage of the Consulate of Bangladesh in Milan held its second congress at the Italian city of Venice on 12 January.

This annual event aims at providing valuable insights and guidance to Bangladeshi students pursuing their dreams in Italy, read a press release.

This year’s Congress featured a video message from the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen inspiring and motivating the students to excel in their studies and professional career in Italy.

The foreign secretary noted that by dint of talent and hard work, the Bangladeshi students can secure managerial spots in the competitive Italian job market.

A panel of experts comprising academics, recruiters, immigration lawyer, and senior officials offered valuable ideas and thoughts to the graduate-level students who will be seeking professional careers and entrepreneurial ventures in Italy and elsewhere.

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Italy Md Monirul Islam attended the event as the chief guest while the Bangladesh Consul General in Milan MJH Jabed was the special guest.

Ambassador Monirul Islam urged the students to extract the best from modern technology and convert themselves into resourceful individuals.

He said the embassy and the consulate are always ready to extend all necessary support, particularly paperwork, for the students so that they can attend their studies without any hassle.

In his speech, Consul General MJH Jabed said some participants of last year’s Congress have successfully engaged themselves in the job market of Italy.

He expressed hope that the Bangladeshi students would be able to prove their indispensability to the local recruiters in future.

Dr Raffaello Cossu, a distinguished professor emeritus from the University of Padova, said Bangladesh is on the right track to invest in higher education which would pay dividends as the country graduates into a developing nation.

Consul of Bangladesh in Venice Fabrizio D'Avino spoke with students about the cultural exchange and opportunities in Italy, including the process of obtaining a work permit in Italy.

Senior Researcher at the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Dr Jeremy Pal discussed the value of innovation and research in combating climate change, enticing students to help solve global issues.

INEVO Managing Director Roberto Fagarazzi shared insights on the professional landscape in Italy and provided career guidance to students.

Speaking about opportunities in the technology sector, Eusuf Daud from HCL Technologies emphasised the need for skilled workers and what it takes to stand out and have a bright future.

The discussion was followed by a question-answer session where students had the opportunity to seek clear views from the speakers on issues pertaining to their transition from student to professional in Italy. Dr Shouro Dasgupta of Venice Ca Foscari University moderated the session.

The second congress of the ABSNI served as a platform for students to gain valuable knowledge and networking opportunities with professionals and entrepreneurs in diverse fields, the release read.

The congress was followed by a short cultural event, in which a Bangladeshi student performed on a Tagore song making the event more colorful and fostering a sense of bondage among the participants.