Education and Primary Education Ministry Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has called for greater emphasis on Islamic education, saying it should be viewed not only as religious instruction but also as a foundation for national development, moral values and the development of skilled human resources.
Speaking as the chief guest at an award ceremony for outstanding principals and students of Fazil and Kamil institutions affiliated with the Islamic Arabic University at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said the primary objective of Islamic education is to produce morally responsible citizens.
“There is no alternative to research-based education, qualified teachers and a modern curriculum if we want to achieve this goal,” he said.
The Ministry stressed the need to modernise madrasah education to meet contemporary demands, enabling its graduates to compete nationally and internationally. He urged the Islamic Arabic University to play a more effective role in promoting research and academic excellence.
He also said the government is working to make the education system more integrated and efficient by overcoming past administrative limitations in the madrasah sector. Efforts are also underway to strengthen the linkage between Fazil and Kamil education and the country’s mainstream higher education system.
Highlighting the growing importance of moral and values-based education, Milon said Islamic education has an important role to play in this regard, provided that qualified teachers, updated teaching methods and practical curricula are ensured.
The Ministry acknowledged the shortage of teachers in many madrasahs, particularly instructors qualified in Islamic studies, describing it as a major challenge.
He urged educational institutions to take a more proactive role in improving teaching quality and modernising curricula.
He also said the government is addressing salary-related complications faced by some newly appointed madrasah teachers. Plans are underway to introduce an Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) system to make salary payments more transparent, efficient and timely.
Addressing students, Milon said academic certificates alone are not enough. He encouraged them to develop knowledge, research skills and professional competence so they can contribute to all sectors of national development. He added that initiatives to expand opportunities for Fazil and Kamil graduates in higher education, the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) and other national career paths would continue.
The programme was chaired by Islamic Arabic University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Abu Jafar Khan. Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khalek and Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Director General Prof Dr Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel attended as special guests, alongside university officials, vice-chancellors, principals, teachers and students from educational institutions across the country.
