Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education, Primary and Mass Education, and spokesperson at the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin, announced today that the National University (NU) is set to transform into a leading center for developing skilled human resources, fostering innovation, and nurturing responsible citizens. Amin emphasized that the university’s role would expand beyond merely awarding degrees to becoming a pivotal hub of knowledge, modern training, skills development, and nation-building.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahdi Amin made these remarks while speaking as a special guest at the inauguration of a teacher training program on “Skill-Based Education” in the National University curriculum at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital. The program was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Amin highlighted that the reform initiatives at the National University, launched over the past three and a half months, are guided by the Prime Minister’s long-term vision and the ruling party’s electoral manifesto. The government is committed to making higher education more employment-oriented, skill-based, and relevant to real-life needs, rather than focusing solely on certification.
To achieve these objectives, several initiatives have been undertaken, including the expansion of vocational and technical education, introduction of career centers and job placement services, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, increasing apprenticeship and internship opportunities, and establishing language centers to promote third-language learning. Additional initiatives include the “Learning with Happiness” program, the “One Student, One Tree” campaign, and various environment-friendly and community-based activities.
Mahdi Amin also highlighted the significance of the National University, noting that it is the world’s second-largest university by enrollment, with over 30 lakh students studying at its 2,285 affiliated colleges across the country. Over 400,000 female students enrolled in affiliated colleges this year, reflecting ongoing progress in women’s empowerment. Despite the large number of graduates produced annually, many still face challenges in securing employment.
Transforming the National University represents not just an institutional reform but a broader movement aimed at improving education quality, employment opportunities, human resource development, and livelihoods for millions of families. Amin emphasized that the university serves as a powerful vehicle for grassroots empowerment by extending higher education opportunities beyond the capital to districts and upazilas nationwide.
Amin further expressed optimism about eliminating session backlogs, noting that the government has already implemented multiple measures to resolve this issue and improve educational standards. Efforts are underway to fully digitize examination and result publication systems, ensuring a safe academic environment that will enable the institution to emerge as a modern and internationally competitive university.
Recalling the university’s establishment, Amin noted that the National University was founded in 1992 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, with the objective of making higher education accessible across the country. Drawing from examples of esteemed institutions like Australian National University, National University of Singapore, Seoul National University, and National Taiwan University, he emphasized that “National” signifies not only a name but also excellence, leadership, and national development.
Amin acknowledged setbacks faced by the country’s education system, including the National University, during periods of authoritarian rule. However, the present government is determined to rebuild the sector, aiming to produce technologically skilled, competent, and patriotic citizens who will drive Bangladesh’s future economic progress.
Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon and Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque also spoke as special guests, among others. The program was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the National University, Professor Dr. A.S.M. Amanullah.