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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed his resolve to rebuild a new democratic Bangladesh. He stated that the prolonged fascist rule of over a decade and a half not only deprived the people of their democratic and political rights but also weakened and damaged various state institutions, including the education system. However, a democratic environment has now created an opportunity for the country’s reconstruction.

He made these remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Teacher Training on Vocational and Technical Education’ program at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on Sunday (June 7).

The Prime Minister emphasized that the contributions of those who sacrificed their lives for independence, liberation war, establishment of democracy, and protection of people’s freedom must be duly recognized. For this, he stressed the importance of building a knowledge-based state and society. He added that it would be difficult to face future global competition and challenges if we fail to empower ourselves in education, science, technology, and research.

Highlighting the importance of the National University, Tarique Rahman said that this institution can play a significant role in expanding modern and technology-driven higher education in the country. Currently, the National University has over two thousand affiliated colleges, with approximately 40 lakh students studying there. Additionally, more than one crore students have had the opportunity to pursue higher education since its establishment. He also mentioned that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia established the National University in 1992 to expand higher education and ensure equality of opportunity.

The Prime Minister stated that the world has now entered the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technology is not only creating new challenges in employment but also opening up new possibilities. In this reality, there is no alternative to a skill-based, technology-driven, and vocational education system, rather than just certificate-based education.

He further added that it is essential to include subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Forensic Science, Programming, Digital Entrepreneurship Development, Digital Communication, Leadership, Presentation Skills, and Financial Literacy in modern curricula. Alongside, he emphasized the importance of acquiring knowledge about emerging technologies like Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology, Quantum Computing, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Material Science, Nanotechnology, and 3D Printing.

Tarique Rahman informed that, considering future demands, the government has already initiated steps to develop a practical, diversified, vocational, and technology-driven curriculum from primary to higher education levels.

He said that in this era of research, innovation, and technological excellence, the revision and reform of educational curricula is an ongoing process. Realizing this, the National University authorities have already taken effective steps to make the university’s curriculum labor-friendly, modern, and practical. Today’s event, the teacher training program on skill-based education organized by the National University, is a practical reflection of these efforts.

The Prime Minister stated that education is not only for individual change but also the primary determinant of a technology-dependent nation’s economic progress, innovation, and world-class competitive capability. Therefore, increasing coordination between the industrial sector and universities to make the higher education system more technology-driven and vocational is now a demand of time.

He said that the modernization of the education system is extremely important in this ongoing era of technological advancement. However, when I talk about the future Bangladesh that awaits us, I try to mention that there is no alternative to moral education for becoming a humane person. He urged the National University authorities to give greater importance and care to ethics, humanitarian values, social inclusion, and environmental protection for students, alongside technological dependence, skill development, and modernization in the education system.

Tarique Rahman said that every year, lakhs of students graduate from universities after pursuing higher education. Sadly, many of them remain unemployed even after obtaining higher degrees. Many believe that failing to acquire practical, applied, or technological skills, despite achieving the highest academic certificates, is one of the main reasons for the high unemployment rate among educated individuals. Therefore, considering the situation, the current government aims to take effective steps to enhance apprenticeships, internships, and industry-academia linkages to make the higher education system practical.

He said that initially, this initiative is being implemented by establishing relationships between universities located in divisional cities and local industries and business organizations. As a result, students will be able to acquire professional skills during their academic life. Consequently, they may not have to remain unemployed after completing their education, Insha’Allah.

The Prime Minister further said that the government is also taking multifaceted initiatives to create business entrepreneurs from campuses. As part of this, the government has decided to provide seed funding or innovation grants through a competitive process to commercialize innovative business ideas in colleges and universities. This will enable many interested young entrepreneurs to implement new and creative business ideas and contribute to the national economy. By acquiring practical work skills while still students, they will not have to wait for a job; instead, they will be able to become entrepreneurs themselves and create employment for several others.