Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon today said Bangladesh has all the capacity to become a major and renowned education hub in the world.
“Bangladesh will be a top education hub globally as we have the resources, programmes, talent and strong will. We must work together to implement this vision,” he said.
The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a workshop titled ‘Role of Private Universities in Higher Education, Future Guidelines and Joint Action Plan to Achieve Goal’ held at a city hotel.
He said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman played an important role in the development of the education sector, adding that the progress achieved in just 16 days was not possible even in 16 years. He also said that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was deeply committed to the advancement of education and had a broad vision for its development.
The minister noted that the present government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is giving the highest priority to education.
Emphasizing the need for joint efforts to transform the country into an international-standard education center, Milon said the government is working to attract foreign universities and medical colleges.
He said Bangladesh was once an attractive destination for international students and has the potential to regain that position in the future. He also urged students studying abroad to increase their contribution to the country after completing their education.
Highlighting the importance of stakeholder representation, the minister said sustainable decisions are not possible without considering their opinions. He added that financial management, scholarships, and trust-based operations of universities will also be reviewed.
The government is committed to making quick decisions, and necessary reforms will be carried out within a stipulated timeframe, he said.
Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahadi Amin and Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Professor Mamun Ahmed also spoke as special guests. Sayeed Al Noman MP, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division Abdul Khaleque, Vice Chancellor of North South University Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury and Vice Chancellor of East West University Professor Shams Rahman also addressed the event.
