NN Online:
Wahiduddin Mahmud, adviser to the Ministry of Education, has expressed concern over the “unplanned nature” of the country’s education system, saying that while universities have been established across various districts, corresponding job opportunities have not been created. As a result, the nation is witnessing a significant increase in educated unemployment.
The adviser made these remarks during a discussion held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium to commemorate World Teachers’ Day.
“The celebration of World Teachers’ Day is meant to honor teachers. I extend my deepest respect to them,” he said.
The adviser emphasised that he willingly took on the responsibilities of the Ministry of Education and was not coerced into the role. Having dedicated his life to teaching, he accepted this position in the interim government.
He highlighted the pressing issue of the country’s low revenue collection, which is currently below international standards. This financial constraint hampers proper investment in essential sectors such as education, health, and social security. He noted that reducing corruption in government spending could potentially allow for increased funding in these areas, although he acknowledged that significant changes would take time.
The education adviser further discussed the challenges facing the school curriculum, emphasising the need to integrate recent historical movements and the concept of nation-building into the curriculum.
While he acknowledged that this inclusion could not be achieved in time for the next academic year due to the tight timeline for revising textbooks, he assured that it would be addressed in future updates.
He also stressed the necessity of a well-planned national education policy and expressed hope that the next elected government would take steps in this direction. He proposed that each university should have a code of conduct for students and faculty, allowing institutions to develop their own guidelines based on their knowledge and circumstances.
The event was chaired by Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, senior secretary of the Ministry, and attended by Dr Bidhann Ranjan Roy Poddar, adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Professor Dr SMA Faiz, chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, and Dr Susan Vize, head of the UNESCO Dhaka Office.