Education reforms crucial to build merit-based Bangladesh: Mahdi Amin

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education, Overseas Employment and ICT Mahdi Amin on Monday highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Bangladesh’s education system, saying the current structure continues to reflect deep inequalities.

Speaking at a discussion organised by the Citizens’ Platform in Gulshan on education sector reforms based on election pledges, Mahdi stressed that the school admission system should gradually return to an exam-based process, replacing the lottery system introduced under previous governments.

“Many schools consider the lottery system a black box, and it undermines merit,” he said, noting that policymakers are actively discussing the transition back to exam-based admission.

Mahdi Amin said efforts are also underway to modernise the national curriculum, which has been politicised over the years.

He emphasised that education should go beyond certificate collection and focus on building practical skills, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial capacity, enabling students to pursue self-employment and qualify for both domestic and overseas job markets.

The adviser also discussed plans to introduce technical and vocational subjects from Class Six, expanding practical components by Class Eight, alongside optional third-language learning to support overseas employment. Countries including Japan, China, South Korea, Italy, France and Germany have expressed interest in assisting the initiative.

At the event, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced plans for a nationwide midday meal programme, starting with government primary schools at the upazila level, and initiatives to unify curriculum standards across Bangla, English, and Ebtedayee streams.

He also noted the government’s focus on integrating culture and sports into education.

A study presented by Towfiqul Islam Khan of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) highlighted declining primary enrolment, a lower transition rate from primary to secondary schools, and rising child labour, underscoring the need for reforms targeting stronger learning outcomes, skill development, and alignment with labour market demands.

Mahdi Amin concluded that building a merit-based education system is essential for developing a competitive workforce and achieving sustainable national growth.