The Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, said that with the changing landscape of technology, the education system must also evolve. Knowledge is no longer confined to a single subject; it is being created through the integration of various disciplines.
On Tuesday (May 12) around 11 a.m., at the Senate House of Dhaka University, during a workshop titled ‘Transformation of Higher Education in Bangladesh’ organized by the University Grants Commission, she made these remarks as the chief guest.
Sheikh Hasina said that even with limited resources, significant changes can be brought about through proper planning and the right use of intellect. She emphasized the need to nurture and develop local intellect and innovation instead of merely preventing brain drain. To build a knowledge-based and innovative society, education, research, creativity, and skill development must be given the highest priority.
The Prime Minister stated that there is a pressing need to align the country’s education curriculum from primary to higher education in line with contemporary demands. Ensuring ethical values in education can help tackle unemployment and prepare students for the modern, competitive global education system.
She noted that despite producing millions of graduates annually, Bangladesh still struggles with high unemployment among the highly educated. One of the main reasons is the lack of practical skills alongside academic education.
The Prime Minister said that the current government has initiated efforts to make the education curriculum from primary to higher education more relevant. Special emphasis has been placed on modernizing higher education through initiatives like apprenticeships, internships, and industry-academy partnerships.
Sheikh Hasina also mentioned that efforts have been made to introduce competitive processes for commercializing innovative business ideas in colleges and universities through seed funding or innovation grants. The aim is to foster campus-based entrepreneurship, enabling students to create job opportunities for others rather than merely seeking employment.
He further said the government plans to establish ‘Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Institutes’ and ‘Science Parks’ in higher education institutions. Additionally, skill-based and technology-driven events like science fairs, innovation fairs, and product sourcing fairs will be encouraged in universities with the partnership of local and foreign institutions.
The Prime Minister said the government plans to make vocational and practical education mandatory from school level, not just higher education.
Regarding the fourth industrial revolution, she said the world has entered an era of artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, internet of things, genetic engineering, biotechnology, cyber security, quantum computing, big data, nano technology and fifth-generation wireless technology. These technologies, she added, are transforming the job market and creating new employment opportunities.
The Prime Minister said that in today’s globalized world, knowledge is no longer confined to a single discipline. Data science intersects with biology or engineering, and social sciences are merging with these fields, expanding the realm of knowledge. She quoted British author and digital business strategist Tom Win, saying that major companies like Uber, Facebook, Alibaba, and Airbnb do not own taxis, create content, manufacture goods, or have retail stores; they are essentially technology-driven “smart interfaces.”
Recalling the country’s long history of struggle and sacrifice for democracy, the Prime Minister stated that the current government, accountable to the people, aims to ensure a safe, knowledge-based, and technologically advanced Bangladesh for future generations.
Concluding her speech, she emphasized the government’s vision of an educational system where every student has the opportunity to develop their potential. While embracing technological advancements is essential, religious, social, and ethical values must be upheld. She urged all segments of society, including teachers, journalists, intellectuals, and professionals, to remain vigilant and proactive on this matter.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report