Education Minister Ehsanul Huq Milan has announced a large-scale initiative to align the country’s education system with international standards.
Speaking to journalists during an exchange of views on Wednesday after formally joining the ministry, the minister asserted that 54 years after independence, there is no longer any scope to prioritise other sectors over education in the national budget.
Minister Milan noted that while food and security crises necessitated higher priority for those sectors immediately after independence, the state’s perspective must now evolve.
He emphasised the urgency of identifying key priorities before the budget is drafted, stating, “Massive changes must be brought to the education system. We have to ensure international standardisation; there is no alternative to this.”
Expressing concern over current funding, the minister pointed out that the allocation for the education sector has dropped to only 2% of GDP, despite requirements for 5% or 6%.
He added that a conventional approach would be insufficient for the necessary transformation.
“The education system must be made up-to-date. We don’t just need a high jump; we need a much larger leap. We must bring change to education with a pole vault jump,” he said.
Question leaks will never return
Education minister promised that cheating and question paper leaks will not return, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a transparent and modern education system.
He said that during his previous tenure, effective measures were taken to stop exam malpractice, and he is confident these issues will not re-emerge.
He outlined plans to modernise the education system to meet global standards, including curriculum reviews, enhancing digital literacy and English proficiency, and integrating emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and robotics. He stressed that education reforms will focus on improving employability for graduates.
“Education cannot remain backdated. In a globalised world, our system must align with international standards,” he said, adding that the government will emphasise digital platforms, technology-driven skills, and knowledge-based curricula.
Focus on accountability and private teachers’ welfare
On allegations of corruption and irregularities in the ministry, he assured that no corruption occurred under their previous government and none will be tolerated now. Investigations into complaints related to MPO registration and school affiliations will be conducted as needed.
Responding to questions on private teachers’ pay and benefits, the minister said the government is aware of the issue and decisions will be communicated in due course.
During the exchange, State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj stated that global benchmarks followed by developed countries would be adopted for textbook formulation.
He specifically highlighted that history books would be developed according to global standards by incorporating the opinions of historians from multiple levels.
The briefing was attended by Rehana Parveen, secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division; Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division; directors general of departments under the ministry; and officials from various levels of the Education Ministry.
