Prime Minister’s Adviser and Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin has called for making education a key driver of people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and China.
“The historic and deep friendship between Bangladesh and China began under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Later, during the tenure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the relationship was further strengthened and elevated to a new height. The present government is also giving special priority to diplomatic and trade relations with China,” he said.
Mahdi made the remarks while addressing a high-level discussion titled “China-Bangladesh Education Cooperation” in Guangzhou during his visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese government, said a press release received here today.
He said the democratic government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to undertaking radical reforms in the education sector in line with its election manifesto.
As part of the reforms, the government plans to give priority to technical and vocational education and make it compulsory, while introducing third-language education, including Mandarin, to equip young people with skills needed in the international job market, he said.
Referring to the government’s goal of making education universal and employment-oriented, Mahdi said Bangladesh wants to increase scholarships for Bangladeshi students, undertake joint research initiatives and develop modern laboratory facilities by drawing on the experience of China’s leading polytechnic and technical education institutions.
He also urged Chinese universities and industrial enterprises to invest in Bangladesh, stressing the need to expand regular exchanges of teachers, researchers and students between the two countries.
“At the same time, close cooperation is needed to ensure the welfare of Bangladeshi students currently studying in China,” he added.
Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Technical and Madrasah Education Division Secretary Mohammad Daud Mia, senior representatives of leading Chinese universities and educational institutions, and officials of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh attended the event.
The meeting also formally launched the China-Bangladesh Industrial and Education Integration International Service Center, aimed at promoting closer cooperation between the two countries in education and industry.
