Education reforms to build skilled youth

The government is undertaking major reforms in the education sector aimed at modernising the system through a new curriculum and improved teacher training framework, Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has said.

He made the remarks while speaking at the annual general meeting and reception programme of the IIUM Alumni Bangladesh Chapter held at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday evening.

The minister said comprehensive changes are being planned to upgrade both curriculum design and teacher training methods in order to align Bangladesh’s education system with global standards.

He added that the government is exploring international education models from countries such as Malaysia, China and the United States to make the system more competitive and future-ready.

Emphasising human capital development, Dr. Milon said Bangladesh’s large youth population should be transformed into skilled manpower to meet both domestic and global labour market demands.

He noted that the government is considering raising education expenditure to 5 percent of GDP, describing it as essential for long-term development.

Addressing concerns over brain drain, the minister said many Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education abroad are not returning, calling for a shift towards “reverse brain drain” to utilise their expertise in national development.

He expressed hope that educated Bangladeshis abroad would contribute to strengthening the country’s education and development sectors in the future.

High Commissioners from Malaysia and the Maldives, along with lawmakers and education experts, also attended the programme.

On the occasion, a new 19-member executive committee of the IIUM Alumni Bangladesh Chapter for 2026-2028 was announced, with Dr Muhammad Abdul Aziz elected as president and Dr M Tuhin Mia as general secretary.

A seven-member advisory council was also formed, including the education minister as a member.