Education minister calls for shift from GPA-centric learning

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has called for a move away from traditional education focused on grade results.

Speaking at the inaugural “China-Bangladesh Education Cooperation Forum 2026" on Saturday, he urged that students be developed as world-class citizens.

The minister stated that the government’s primary goal is to convert the conventional system into a modern, scientific framework.

This transformation is intended to ensure that students can sustain themselves in international competition.

Addressing the International Mother Language Institute, the minister highlighted significant limitations in the current domestic system.

He specifically pointed to a lack of necessary coordination or collaboration between universities and industry.

He argued that this gap must be bridged to transform the country’s vast manpower into skilled human resources.

Such resources would be better equipped to directly face the challenges of the global employment market.

While acknowledging that desired goals for quality education have not yet been met, he assured that the incumbent government would take all necessary steps to achieve them.

Dr Ehsanul Hoque Milon also issued a directive to teachers, stating that the practice of taking exams only at the end of the year is insufficient.

He emphasised the need for consistent daily teaching and proper classroom evaluations.

To prepare for the challenges of globalisation, the minister suggested that “third language” education should be made mandatory by the government.

He noted that proficiency in Chinese would open significant doors for students in both higher education and the international labour market.

Reflecting on existing partnerships, the minister pointed to China as an advanced and affordable destination for higher education.

Currently, approximately 16,000 Bangladeshi students are studying there successfully.

The minister revealed that the government is already adjusting the curriculum and academic calendar to improve standards.

Furthermore, initiatives are being developed to enhance the skills of educators through technical training programmes in collaboration with Chinese institutions.

The forum was presided over by Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, with the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser, Dr Mahdi Amin, attending as a special guest.

Other high-level speakers included Abdul Khaleque, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, and Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the University Grants Commission.

They were joined by BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Badruzzaman and Professor Dr Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.

The event, organised by the Chinese Embassy and managed by the China-Bangladesh Education and Cultural Exchange Association, brought together senior officials and representatives from various universities.