Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today urged the nation to transition towards a skill and technology-based practical and job-oriented education system, moving away from the traditional certificate-based approach. “In this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, there is no alternative to modernising and updating the traditional education curriculum to face the challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation,” he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman, who also serves as the chairman of the ruling BNP, made these remarks at the inaugural session of a training programme focused on job-oriented and technical education for teachers. The event, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, was organized by the National University (NU) under the theme ‘We will take job-oriented education, we will work around the world’. The programme seeks to develop 12,000 college teachers across the country into skilled educators.
The Prime Minister criticized the enduring fascist rule and exploitation, which he claims have not only stripped citizens of their democratic rights but have also disrupted the country’s education system. “It is now our turn to turn around in democratic Bangladesh,” he asserted, emphasizing the need to build a knowledge-based society.
Highlighting the National University’s role in expanding higher education, Rahman noted that over 40 lakh students are currently enrolled in more than 2,000 affiliated colleges nationwide. He credited former Prime Minister, the late Begum Khaleda Zia, for establishing the university in 1992 to address higher education management crises and ensure education for all. He added that the institution could play a pivotal role in advancing modern, technology-based education.
Rahman pointed out the rapid changes in technology, noting that while automation and AI threaten many traditional professions, they also create new job opportunities. To adapt, he advocated for including subjects like AI, cybersecurity, programming, digital entrepreneurship, and nanotechnology in the education curriculum.
The Prime Minister also stressed reducing unemployment among highly educated individuals by enhancing apprenticeships, internships, and industry-academia collaboration. Initially, these initiatives are being implemented in divisional cities to ensure students acquire practical work skills alongside their studies.
Addressing the government’s efforts to nurture young entrepreneurs, Rahman announced plans to provide ‘seed funding’ or ‘innovation grants’ for innovative business ideas developed in colleges and universities. “As a result, young people will be able to create employment themselves instead of chasing jobs,” he explained.
Rahman further emphasized the importance of moral education alongside technological training, urging the National University to focus on students’ morality, mental health, social inclusion, and environmental protection. He highlighted the value of learning a third language to enhance job prospects both locally and internationally.
Calling on teachers to serve as pioneers and role models for social change, the Prime Minister said, “If the country’s students and youth are transformed into a technologically skilled workforce, a prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh will be a role model for the world.” He concluded by seeking collective support from various sectors in building a knowledge- and merit-based society.
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Education Mahdi Amin, and NU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah also addressed the gathering.