Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury on Thursday claimed that nearly 98 per cent of students were once allowed to pass examinations without writing anything on their answer scripts, raising concerns about the quality of education in Bangladesh.
He said weaknesses in the education system had left many young people with academic qualifications but without the knowledge and skills needed for employment.
The minister made the remarks while inaugurating the nine-day Rajshahi Divisional Book Fair at the Rajshahi Collectorate ground in the afternoon.
Expressing concern over rising youth unemployment, Nitai Roy said inadequate education and skills were leaving increasing numbers of young people without jobs.
He also linked unemployment and frustration among young people to the spread of drug abuse across the country.
Outlining the government’s plans to improve education, the minister said nearly a quarter of the national budget had been allocated to the Ministry of Education to bring fundamental changes to the education system.
He said the government also had special plans to recruit talented teachers and increase their salaries and allowances to ensure quality education.
Emphasising the need to develop the younger generation into skilled human resources, Nitai Roy urged families to encourage children in both rural and urban areas to read books, participate in sports and engage in cultural activities from an early age.
Such activities would support children’s physical and mental development while helping them grow into capable and talented individuals, he said.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the divisional book fair.
Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur) lawmaker Shafiqul Haq Milan, Rajshahi-5 lawmaker Professor Nazrul Islam and district council administrator Ershad Ali Ishaa attended as special guests, alongside representatives of various institutions.
A cultural programme was held at the fairground following the discussion.
Organisers said the nine-day fair would continue until 6 November and remain open to visitors daily from 3 pm to 8 pm.
