Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stressed the need for a skill-based, technology-driven and job-oriented education system, saying traditional certificate-centric learning is no longer sufficient in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
Addressing the inauguration of a nationwide teacher training programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, the Prime Minister said modernising the country’s education curriculum is essential to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The training programme, organised by the National University (NU) under the theme “We will take job-oriented education, we will work around the world,” aims to develop 12,000 college teachers into skilled educators capable of delivering practical and employment-focused education.
Tarique Rahman said the country’s education system suffered significant setbacks during the previous regime and emphasized the need to rebuild a democratic, knowledge-based society through quality education, science and technology.
Highlighting the rapid transformation of the global job market, he said emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, programming, digital entrepreneurship, quantum computing, nanotechnology and 5G technology must be incorporated into the national curriculum.
The Prime Minister noted that many graduates remain unemployed despite holding academic degrees due to a lack of practical skills. To address this challenge, the government is expanding apprenticeship opportunities, internships and industry-academia collaboration to improve employability.
He also announced plans to provide seed funding and innovation grants for students with promising business ideas, enabling young entrepreneurs to create jobs rather than depend solely on traditional employment opportunities.
Emphasizing the importance of moral values alongside technological advancement, Tarique Rahman said educational institutions must focus on students’ mental health, social inclusion, environmental awareness and ethical development.
The Prime Minister further encouraged students to learn a third language in addition to Bangla and English, stating that multilingual skills can significantly increase employment opportunities both at home and abroad.
Calling on teachers to become catalysts for social transformation, he expressed confidence that a technologically skilled workforce would help build a prosperous, self-reliant and globally competitive Bangladesh.
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Education Mahdi Amin and National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah also addressed the event.
