Play store
Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has said the government is placing the highest priority on technical and vocational education to transform the country’s vast human resources into a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the domestic and global job markets.
Speaking at a commemorative programme marking the historic July Mass Uprising at the Government Polytechnic Institute in the capital on Saturday, the minister said there is no alternative to technical and technology-based education alongside the conventional academic system.
“The government is giving the highest importance to technical education. A major transformation in the education system is essential to equip the country’s young population with the skills needed for the future,” he said.
Milon said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has attached special importance to expanding technical education as part of the government’s broader strategy to develop a skilled workforce.
He noted that relying solely on the traditional education system would not be enough to fully utilise Bangladesh’s demographic potential. “The opportunities for technical education must be expanded to harness the country’s vast human resources,” he added.
As part of this initiative, the government has taken steps to establish four new engineering colleges to increase access to quality technical education across the country, the minister said.
Highlighting international cooperation in the sector, Milon said Bangladesh and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to China to enhance technical education and skills development. The agreement is expected to strengthen collaboration in training, technology transfer and capacity building.
Recalling the July Mass Uprising, the education minister said its memories and sacrifices would never fade and stressed the need to preserve the legacy of those who laid down their lives for the country.
“The contributions of those who sacrificed themselves must be passed on to future generations so that they remain inspired by the values of patriotism and democracy,” he said.
The minister also underscored the need to make Bangladesh’s education system more career-oriented and technology-driven to produce graduates who are better suited to the evolving needs of industries and the international labour market.
He further assured that he would place a proposal before the Prime Minister to address the transport shortage faced by university and college students and said the government was continuing efforts to modernise the country’s education system.
Speaking at the programme, Sanjida Tuli, chief coordinator of Mayer Daak and a reserved-seat member of parliament, said Bangladesh’s progress required people to rise above partisan interests.
“To move the country forward, everyone must work together beyond political divisions. There can be no compromise with authoritarianism,” she said.
Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatradal President Rakibul Islam Rakib said differences of opinion over student politics might exist, but there should be no disagreement over the significance of the July movement.
The event also featured tributes to those killed and injured during the July Mass Uprising, with speakers highlighting their sacrifices and calling on the younger generation to uphold the ideals of democracy, justice and equality.