New Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon said that the desired development is not possible without giving top priority to the education sector. The budget allocation for education is still less than the GDP. The priority must be fixed first, and then the issue of increasing the allocation must be confirmed.
He said this after formally assuming office in his meeting room at the Secretariat on Wednesday (February 18).
The minister said that it is natural to give importance to the food and security sectors in the initial stage of forming a state. However, if the education sector does not get top priority even after 54 years, it is disappointing. We have to decide first what we want. If priorities are not fixed, the desired change will not come in the budget distribution. Bangladesh's education budget is less than neighboring countries. Referring to the issue of the lower allocation than Nepal and Sri Lanka, he said, even if you are not a great scholar, it is understood that it is important to increase investment in the education sector.
Ehsanul Haque Milon said that in the past, the education sector was not given proper priority. As a result, the budget allocation as a percentage of GDP has remained close to two percent. It needs to be increased to five or six percent.
Regarding the debate on the curriculum, the minister said that the curriculum has been changed at various times in Bangladesh and there has been discussion and criticism about it. Any change must be made in light of reality and need. In this case, a decision will be taken after discussing with the concerned parties.
When the topic of 'stopping plagiarism' and restoring discipline in education arose around him on social media, he said, "My goal is to make the education system effective and international. The education system of Bangladesh must be taken to a place where even developed countries value our education and research. Tarique Rahman, who is leading the country, is giving utmost importance to the education sector. I want to work to realize his dream. If we work together, visible progress is possible in a short time. He also sought the cooperation of all concerned to take the education system from a 'ridiculous position' to a better level."
