Dhaka: Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Wednesday underscored the need to modernise and align technical and vocational education with market demands to transform Bangladesh’s vast population into a skilled workforce. ‘Technical and job-oriented education must be updated in line with contemporary needs and global labour market trends,’ he said at a view-exchange meeting with officials at the conference room of the Directorate of Technical Education.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister emphasized the importance of reinforcing public-private partnerships, building stronger linkages between industry and academia, and modernising curricula and syllabuses to strengthen the technical education system. He noted that key performance indicators (KPIs) and other performance metrics of the technical education sector have been reviewed initially and that deeper analysis would be conducted to bring necessary reforms.
The minister identified gaps in public-private partnership, coordination between industries and educational institutions, and the formulation of market-driven curricula, which he insisted must be addressed promptly. Urging officials to take proactive initiatives, Milon encouraged them to identify development priorities within their respective departments, projects, and institutions, and to act with creativity and innovation instead of waiting for directives from the ministry.
Describing the Education Ministry as one of the country’s most important ministries, Milon highlighted the critical role it plays in developing the nation’s human resources. He emphasized that building a skilled workforce for nearly 180 million people is a major responsibility and that transforming Bangladesh’s large population into skilled human capital could significantly drive the country’s economic and social development.
The minister further pointed out that technical institutions, including vocational and polytechnic institutes, should prioritize hands-on and job-oriented training over excessive theoretical instruction. He called for a comprehensive review of curricula and training systems to achieve this goal. Additionally, Milon stressed the importance of strengthening coordination with the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and other relevant bodies to expand opportunities for sending skilled workers to international labour markets.
Highlighting the demographic advantage of Bangladesh compared to many developed countries facing population decline, Milon asserted that converting this manpower into skilled human resources could position Bangladesh globally as a nation rich in skilled workforce. He urged officials to depart from conventional work practices and to work with renewed energy, enthusiasm, and speed, setting clear goals and action plans in their respective areas.
Finally, the minister called for collective efforts from the technical education sector to help realise the employment generation target announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.