Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Saturday said the government is working to transform the country's conventional GPA-focused education system into a modern, scientific and skills-oriented framework aimed at producing 'world-class citizens' capable of competing globally.
"The government aims to transform the country's conventional education system into a modern and scientific framework capable of producing "world class citizens" rather than remaining confined to GPA based evaluation," he said at a function focusing China-Bangladesh education cooperation affairs.
Melon added, "We cannot remain confined to traditional education centred on GPA 5. We have to develop our new generation as world class citizens.
The function of the inaugural ceremony of the "China Bangladesh Education Cooperation Forum 2026" was held at the International Mother Language Institute in the capita.
The forum was organised by the Embassy of China in Bangladesh and managed by the China Bangladesh Education and Cultural Exchange Association.
"Our main goal is to transform the conventional education system into a modern and scientific system so that students can survive in international competition," Milon said.
Highlighting structural weaknesses in the existing system, he said there remained inadequate coordination between industry and universities, which had widened the skills gap in the labour market.
"We want to transform our huge manpower into skilled human resources capable of directly facing employment challenges," he said, adding, "We have not yet achieved the desired standard of quality education. However, the current Tarique Rahman government will do everything necessary to achieve this."
Calling for reforms in the examination system, the minister said, "Examinations cannot be conducted only at the end of the year. Teaching and proper evaluation must be ensured in classrooms every day."
Referring to higher education opportunities in China, Milon said around 16,000 Bangladeshi students are currently studying there. "China's education system is advanced and comparatively affordable," he added.
He further said the government has made third language education mandatory to address globalisation challenges. "Particularly, learning Chinese will open vast opportunities for Bangladeshi students in the international labour market and higher education sector," he added.
According to the minister, curriculum reforms, revisions to the academic calendar and teacher training initiatives in cooperation with China are already underway to improve education standards.
The programme was presided over by Yao Wen, while Prime Minister's Education Adviser Mahdi Amin addressed the event as special guest.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said the government is introducing policy reforms to address longstanding problems in the education sector, including the teacher shortage crisis.
"In addition to introducing midday meals for students, the government is also working to fulfill various demands and needs of teachers," Bobby Hajjaj said after visiting Sahitika Model Primary School in Cox's Bazar.
He further said resolving problems in the education sector would help reduce broader economic and social crises. "An educated society is essential to prevent mob culture," he added.
