Dhaka: Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today emphasized the need to modernize and orient technical and vocational education towards market demands to transform Bangladesh's large population into a skilled workforce. He made these remarks during a view-exchange meeting held at the Directorate of Technical Education this morning.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was presided over by Technical and Madrasah Education Division Secretary Muhammad Rafiqul Islam. Dr Milon, speaking as the chief guest, highlighted the significant responsibility of developing skilled human resources for Bangladesh's population of nearly 18 crore. He stressed that if the workforce is effectively transformed into skilled personnel, it would become the primary driving force for the country's economic and social advancement.
The education minister underscored the importance of strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), forging strong connections between industry and academia, and modernizing curricula and syllabi. He mentioned that various indicators and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of technical education have been initially reviewed, and necessary reform activities will be initiated soon. Dr Milon emphasized that technical, vocational, and polytechnic educational institutions should focus more on practical and vocational training rather than additional theoretical education.
Dr Milon urged officials to work with enthusiasm and speed within their respective departments and institutions to achieve these objectives. Addressing the international labor market, he noted that opportunities to send skilled manpower abroad will be expanded by enhancing coordination with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and other relevant stakeholders. He pointed out that the declining population in many developed countries presents a significant opportunity for Bangladesh.
The minister expressed that by creating skilled manpower, Bangladesh could establish itself as a country rich in human resources. He also stated that the technical education sector will play a crucial role in achieving the employment creation goals announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Dr Milon called upon everyone to work collectively with sincerity and dedication toward this goal.