“To keep pace with the rapidly evolving and changing technologies, higher education curriculum must be developed accordingly," he said.
The state minister was addressing a workshop titled ‘Skills Development of ICT Engineers on IT Engineers Examination (ITEE) Targeting Japanese Market’ jointly arranged by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) at the UGC auditorium.
The goal of the workshop is to create employment for 10,000 IT engineers in Japan over the next three years as well as increasing the efficiency and awareness of IT engineers.
“It’s a difficult task to update curriculum every year. In this case, universities can initiate top-up training programmes to address the global needs,” said the state minister.
He referred Japan as an important market for Bangladesh and said, “A significant number of jobs will be created in the IT sector through this initiative (workshop).”
Palak said the government is working in full capacity for building a digital Bangladesh and creating skilled human resources.
He emphasised on adopting the 4IR (4th Industrial Revolution) programmes replacing labour-oriented jobs to achieve the status of a developed nation by 2041. “We’re working to create a pool of quality manpower, enhance graduates’ employability and meet objectives of Digital Bangladesh. Academicians need to carry out research on 4IR. The ICT Ministry in association with UGC will set up research and incubation centres, specialised labs in every university,” he added.
The state minister urged the university teachers to conduct research activities to meet the challenges of the coming fourth industrial revolution.
UGC Chairman Prof Dr Kazi Shahidullah said to build a better future for the country, the young generation needs to be more passionate and ready. “The importance of general education and higher education is immense. We need to give our graduates proper training. They have to be smart about the technology and knowledge of the future,” he said.
“We need to take steps to prepare our youth force for the global markets,” the UGC chairman said, adding that graduates need to be trained well with the updated knowledge and skills.
The programme was addressed, among others, by NM Zeaul Alam, Senior Secretary, ICT Division, Hiroyuki Yamaya, Minister, Embassy of Japan, Parthapratim Deb, Executive Director, BCC, and Yuji Ando, Country Representative, Japan External Trade Organisation.
UGC members, vice-chancellors from different public and private universities, faculty members of engineering departments and IT industrialists were also present.