Minister urges US to ease visa rules for students
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has urged the United States government to further simplify the student visa process for Bangladeshi students seeking higher education abroad.
He made the request during a meeting with US Special Envoy for Best Future Generations Charles J Harder, who paid a courtesy call at the minister’s office in the National Parliament on Sunday.
The meeting was also attended by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education Mahdi Amin, and Primary and Mass Education Secretary Abu Taher Md Masud Rana.
Discussions focused on issues of mutual interest, including improving the quality of education and expanding bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.
Harder said the US government is working in Bangladesh, as it does globally, to address key social challenges such as child marriage, child abuse, and malnutrition. He also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas like school feeding programs, child healthcare, and other social development initiatives.
Minister Milon said the government has undertaken extensive measures to enhance the quality of education, with special emphasis on technical education and making learning more engaging.
He mentioned initiatives such as introducing mid-day meal programs nationwide, providing student uniforms, increasing the use of technology in education, and improving school infrastructure, including playground facilities.
He further said plans are underway to appoint sports and agriculture teachers in schools to support students’ physical and mental development. Milon also sought increased US assistance in English language training for students in Bangladesh.
US envoy Harder praised Bangladesh’s progress in education, healthcare, and social development. Both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries in the future.
