Bangladesh Aims to Become an International Education Hub, says Education Minister

Bangladesh formally launched the academic activities of Naogaon University on Saturday marking what government leaders described as a significant milestone in expanding higher education and strengthening research and innovation across the country.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony held at the Naogaon Upazila Auditorium the Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon MP said the government is committed to transforming Bangladesh into an international education hub under the leadership of the prime minister.

"Our students possess immense talent. What they need is access to world-class education with research opportunities and an environment that enables them to develop their skills" the minister said.

He noted that despite receiving quality education, many students still struggle to secure higher academic opportunities and competitive positions in the global job market. To address these challenges that the government is working to establish a modern practical and internationally competitive education system.

The minister said the government is implementing long-term reforms to improve the country's education sector through modern infrastructure, research, technology-driven learning and the development of skilled human resources.

He also said efforts are underway to restore discipline to the national academic calendar by holding the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination in January and the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination according to the scheduled timeline.

Referring to his recent expression of regret in parliament over a controversial remark, the minister said public statements should not be interpreted out of context or through selective quotations. While criticism is a part of democracy, he added. It should not hinder efforts to improve the education system. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the quality and credibility of PhD degrees awarded in the country through appropriate evaluation mechanisms.

Praising the Bogura University Bill 2026 Milon thanked State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam MP for his role in formulating the legislation. He said similar legal frameworks would gradually be introduced for universities in Chandpur, Naogaon and other districts.

Addressing the programme as special guest, Mir Shahe Alam said the launch of Naogaon University's academic activities marked not only the beginning of a new institution but also a new chapter for higher education, research, employment and human resource development in the region.

He said the purpose of education extends beyond securing government jobs and should focus on producing skilled, creative, ethical and patriotic citizens capable of addressing national challenges. According to him, education must be career-oriented, research-based and rooted in moral values.

Recalling the contribution of the Generation Z movement, the state minister said it represented the triumph of merit and discipline. However, he added that spirit should never be used to justify examination malpractice, cheating or any action that undermines academic standards.

He also said the government has given the highest priority to the education and health sectors in the national budget and emphasised the need for transparent and effective use of public funds.

Referring to public criticism, he remarked that praise from certain quarters across the border should prompt self-reflection while criticism may indicate adherence to the country's own policy direction.

The state minister further said the government plans to upgrade the Bogura-Naogaon-Rajshahi highway into a four-lane road. He also described the education minister's recent expression of regret in parliament as a positive example of democratic accountability.

Among others, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed, UGC Member Prof Dr Abdullah Al Mamun, Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Faridul Islam, National University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ASM Amanullah, and Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Prof Dr Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel also addressed the programme.

Members of Parliament from Naogaon, vice-chancellors of 20 universities, the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, senior government officials, academics and distinguished guests attended the event.

The programme was chaired by Naogaon University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Hasanat Ali.

Naogaon University began its academic journey with its first batch of 80 students. In a symbolic gesture, each student was welcomed with an Amrapali mango sapling, commemorating the university's inaugural cohort.