As the world continues to evolve rapidly, adapting to these changes requires a skilled workforce, and this can only be achieved through socio-economic education and targeted training, said Rezaul Maksud Zohidi, secretary of the Local Government Division, at a roundtable discussion held at the National Press Club on Monday.
The event was organised by Underprivileged Children’s Educational Programs (UCEP) Bangladesh to highlight the importance of skill development in the country.
“No real change is possible in this country without youth,” said Zohidi.
“If young people become entrepreneurs, employment will no longer be an issue. All they need is socio-economic education, training, and a change in mindset. There is no substitute for skills.”
Expressing concern, he added that artificial intelligence (AI) is yet to be officially adopted in government systems in Bangladesh.
Zohidi further noted that caregiver training could also help transform the population into a skilled workforce. He stressed the need to assess the kind of education required to meet the demands of various industries and called for timely updates to the curriculum in line with global trends.
When asked about the success of technical education, Fatema Jahan, joint secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division, stated that significant progress has been made.
“In 2001, only 1% of students were enrolled in technical education. This figure has increased to 20% in 2025 due to the government’s investments in this sector,” she said.
She added that efforts are underway to increase enrollment to 50% by 2040. However, she pointed out a significant gap in teacher training: while there are 14 government and 76 private teacher training institutes for general education, technical and madrasa education have only three such institutions. “This disparity must be addressed collectively,” she emphasized.
UCEP Bangladesh Executive Director Abdul Karim stated, “Skills are not only essential for employment but also for building a peaceful and sustainable society. Technical education has no alternative. Preparing youth with technology-based skills is critical to Bangladesh’s journey toward smart development.”
The discussion was attended by government officials, education experts, industry leaders, youth representatives, and other stakeholders.