President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday called for sweeping reforms in the education sector, saying the country’s education system and several important state institutions had been brought to the brink of destruction over the past one and a half decades.
The President made the remarks while addressing the 27th convocation of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal.
He said universities had been allowed to be established without proper scrutiny, resulting in the emergence of substandard institutions that produced highly educated unemployed people and pushed a large section of promising young people into frustration.
“Many universities were used as centres of business and excessive profit. We have to come out of this situation,” he said.
The President said the quality of higher education could not be measured merely by the number of universities or degree holders.
“Quality of education, timely curricula, qualified teachers, practical knowledge and skills among students, and decent employment are the real measures of a university’s success,” he said.
The country’s different streams of education had created disparities in access, quality and skills, said the President.
“An acceptable solution to this issue is urgently needed. By coordinating the different streams, it is now time to build an integrated national education system,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh must improve the quality of education to international standards to remain competitive globally.
At the same time, he stressed the need to preserve the country’s history, language, literature, culture and heritage while embracing global knowledge and experience.
He called for closer links between higher education and the demands of the job market.
Universities, he said, should give greater importance to developing employment-oriented and skills-based curricula and expanding opportunities for practical and technical education, real-life experience and technological skills.
“Young people should not be developed merely as job seekers, but as skilled workers, entrepreneurs and creators of employment,” he said.
The President also stressed the importance of research and innovation in higher education.
He said universities should focus on creating new knowledge and encouraging innovation while ensuring that research findings are used for the welfare of people.
Referring to IUB’s research contributions in areas including physical sciences, microbiology and preservation of endangered languages, he praised the university and hoped it would further strengthen its quality of education, research and innovation.
He also asked the university authorities to ensure that no talented student is deprived of higher education because of financial hardship.
On artificial intelligence and modern digital technology, the President said they had opened unprecedented opportunities but warned against excessive dependence on technology.
Such dependence, he said, should not weaken independent thinking, creativity and judgment.
He also stressed ethical use of technology and protection of personal data.
“No matter how advanced technology becomes, it can never replace human conscience, honesty, empathy and morality,” he said.
Addressing the graduates, the President said a convocation was not merely a formal ceremony for receiving certificates but also a recognition of years of hard work, perseverance and dedication and a commitment to taking on new responsibilities.
He reminded the graduates that formal education might end with obtaining a certificate, but the process of becoming a good human being never ends.
He urged them to use their education and skills for the welfare of the country and its people, saying the interests of ordinary people whose labour and contributions keep the economy moving should receive the highest priority.
The President also urged the graduates to stand by truth and justice and uphold honesty and morality.
The President congratulated the graduates and expressed gratitude to their teachers, parents and family members for their contribution to the students’ achievements.
He wished continued success and progress for Independent University, Bangladesh.
IUB Vice-Chancellor, University Grants Commission Chairman, IUB Board of Trustees Chairman and members, Education, Science, Technology and Cultural Development Trust Chairman and members, faculty members, researchers, graduates, parents and representatives of the media attended the convocation.