Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Sunday expressed deep concern over the declining moral values among the students of this generation, stating that they are increasingly prioritising social media “virality” over ethics.
He made the remark while speaking at a workshop organised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to mark World Intellectual Property Day 2026.
The minister said that the younger generation, including those in school uniforms, frequently engages in inappropriate behaviour on social media, often making indecent remarks about teachers and government officials.
"Students have moved into a space devoid of morality; they just want to go viral," he remarked, noting that Facebook Live sessions are often filled with unsolicited and inconsistent comments.
Ehsanul Hoque Milon questioned the direction in which the country is leading its youth, raising alarms about whether the nation is losing control over its demographic dividend.
“Our young generation, who are supposed to be the future strength of this country, are now hesitating to show basic respect. Are we failing to utilise our human resources correctly?” he asked during the seminar focused on research and innovation.
In addition to his comments on social behaviour, the education minister addressed Bangladesh’s significant lag in the international intellectual property (IP) system.
He pointed out that while Bangladeshi innovations often receive registration and trademarks abroad, they fail to be properly established domestically due to administrative weaknesses.
He urged for a more robust IP framework to protect the interests of local innovators and secure the country's intellectual assets.
