Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has said the government will provide the highest priority to research, innovation, modern technology, infrastructure development, and technical education to further advance the textile sector, a key driver of the national economy.
The minister emphasised that there is no alternative to creating skilled textile engineers and researchers to secure Bangladesh’s top position in global competition.
He made these remarks as the chief guest during the orientation programme for newly enrolled students at Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) on Wednesday.
BUTEX graduates as future leaders
Milon said admission to BUTEX should not be viewed as an alternative for those failing to secure seats elsewhere; rather, these students are destined to lead the country.
He noted that this year, around 20 BUTEX students have been recommended for various Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) cadres, including administration, foreign affairs, and police. Former students are already demonstrating leadership in various fields both at home and abroad.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s status as the world’s second-largest ready-made garment exporter, the minister expressed pride in seeing the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ label on international brands.
However, he stressed the necessity of developing international-standard local brands and increasing innovative capabilities to achieve this.
Technological advancements, infrastructure
Addressing the students as the leaders of future innovation, Milon described textile engineering as a science-based field. He said the establishment of modern laboratories, particularly those driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), is a demand of the times. He promised increased budget allocations to ensure high-quality research at the university.
The minister noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is giving top priority to education, specifically technical and engineering disciplines. A primary goal of the government is to transform the country’s large population into human resources.
While the population in the developed world is decreasing, Bangladesh’s population remains a vital asset that must be converted into a skilled workforce.
Regarding infrastructure, the minister mentioned that the government would construct new buildings if expansion is required.
While the university currently admits 650 students annually, he indicated a need to increase seat numbers in the future to meet global market demands for textile engineers.
Reducing foreign dependency, educational reform
Milon pointed out that in the past, many local textile industries and buying houses employed foreign nationals, particularly from India and Sri Lanka, in key positions.
He said Bangladeshi students are no less meritorious and that the country must develop its own engineers and skilled manpower to manage the sector.
The government is also working to develop students as skilled and modern citizens from the primary level. Initiatives such as mid-day meals, uniforms, and play-based joyful learning are being introduced in primary schools.
Technical education will be prioritised from Class VI, with a revised national curriculum to be implemented in 2027 and a new one in 2028.
To avoid wasting time within the education system, the government is focusing on eliminating session jams. The minister said SSC should be completed in 10 years, HSC in two years, and undergraduate degrees within four years to effectively utilise the country’s demographic dividend.
Support for students and engineers
To increase higher education opportunities for diploma engineers, the government plans to establish two specialised government colleges, as current options are limited and private education is costly.
The minister urged students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset rather than just being job seekers, noting that many BUTEX alumni have already become successful industrial entrepreneurs. “The Prime Minister is with you,” he told the students.
Regarding specific requests from the university, Milon said the government would consider the application for land allocation for a second campus. Addressing the demand for a separate BCS cadre for textile engineers, he described the request as “logical” and promised to present it to the Prime Minister for positive consideration.
He concluded by reminding the newcomers of their crucial role in the country’s economic development and the global advancement of the textile sector, promising maximum government cooperation in solving any legitimate issues.
The ceremony was attended by BUTEX Vice-Chancellor Md Julhash Uddin, along with teachers, students, and other stakeholders.
