Technical Education Must Be Demand-Based: Education Minister

Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon emphasized on Wednesday that technical and vocational education must be modernized and aligned with market demands to transform Bangladesh’s large population into a skilled workforce.

Speaking as the chief guest at a view-exchange meeting with the Directorate of Technical Education, the Minister called for stronger public-private partnerships and closer ties between industry and academia.

"We must move beyond theoretical education and prioritize practical, work-oriented training," Dr. Milon said. He noted that while initial reviews of technical education KPIs are underway, deeper reforms are needed to address gaps in curriculum and industry coordination.

The Minister urged officials to be proactive rather than waiting for ministry directives. "Each department and institution must identify its own developmental needs. With nearly 180 million people, our biggest responsibility is turning this population into the primary engine of economic growth," he added.

Dr. Milon also highlighted the importance of collaborating with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare to better position Bangladeshi workers in the international labor market. The meeting was presided over by Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Department.