Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon on Friday said there is no alternative to developing students into skilled human resources and urged them to equip themselves with practical knowledge and professional skills to contribute to the country's development.
"Education should not be confined to obtaining a degree. It must be linked to skills, productivity and employability so that students can make meaningful contributions to national development," he said while addressing the orientation programme for first-year undergraduate students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) for the 2025-26 academic session (55th batch).
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The programme was held at the university's Zahir Raihan Auditorium with Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan in the chair.
The minister said every citizen has responsibilities towards family, society and the country, adding that Bangladesh's future largely depends on its educated youth.
"You must prepare yourselves to contribute effectively to the nation's progress," he told the freshers.
Referring to global demographic trends, Milon said many developed countries are experiencing population decline, while Bangladesh's population continues to grow.
"If we can transform this large population into skilled human resources, it will become one of the country's greatest strengths," he said.
He also said Bangladeshi youths could play a significant role in the global workforce through quality education, practical knowledge and professional skills.
Earlier, the university administration welcomed the freshers with flowers. Around 2,000 students from different faculties attended the programme.
Acting Registrar Md ABM Azizur Rahman formally presented the newly admitted students to the respective deans for academic enrolment, after which the deans welcomed them. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan later administered the oath to the freshers.
Director of the Student Welfare and Counselling Centre Prof Dr Jamal Uddin delivered the welcome address, while Additional Director Associate Prof Ameena Islam conducted the programme. University Proctor Prof Dr M Rashidul Alam urged students to maintain discipline on campus.
Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Md Shamsul Alam, Pro Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Muhammad Nazrul Islam and Treasurer Prof Dr Md Abdur Rob also addressed the programme as special guests. Representatives of the JU Central Students' Union (JUCSU), student organisations, teachers, officials and students also attended the event and the programme concluded at 9:00 pm.