Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of education in line with global standards. Speaking at a national council of principals of colleges affiliated with the National University, she acknowledged the significant improvements in education quality within the country but stressed the importance of keeping pace with international standards. Sheikh Hasina outlined her government’s measures to foster comprehensive educational development, ensuring that future generations are equipped to navigate the ever-evolving world of science and technology.
To make the education system more diverse, she mentioned the establishment of universities in each district, four medical universities in divisional headquarters, an Islamic Arabic University, a digital university, an Aerospace and Aviation University, as well as science and technology universities. The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s focus on creating a skilled workforce to meet the increasing demands of the fourth industrial revolution. Initiatives such as the establishment of high-tech parks and computer incubation training centers aim to provide education in areas like nano-technology and artificial intelligence.
Sheikh Hasina urged principals and teachers to nurture students into responsible citizens of Bangladesh. Emphasizing the significance of education in shaping future leaders, she called upon students to prioritize their studies, foster patriotism, and contribute to the welfare of the country and its people. The Prime Minister reiterated her commitment to fulfill the vision of Bangladesh’s founding father, aiming to create a prosperous and equitable nation, free from hunger, poverty, and exploitation by 2041.
During the event, Sheikh Hasina distributed scholarships to 10 underprivileged meritorious and special-needs students. A total of 12,394 students, including 11,285 underprivileged meritorious students and 1,109 special-needs students, were awarded scholarships amounting to approximately Taka 6,19,70,000.
Additionally, the Prime Minister unveiled several development projects, including the ICT master plan under the National University, and signed a list of development schemes. Dr. Dipu Moni, the Education Minister, also spoke at the event as a special guest, with the Vice-Chancellor of the National University, Prof. Dr. Mashiur Rahman, presiding over the ceremony. Principals from Selim Sonar Bangla College of Cumilla and Rajshahi Government Women College, along with two scholarship recipients, shared their views.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Sheikh Hasina recalled being arrested by the caretaker government during the 2007 state of emergency. She highlighted her refusal to accept the status of Prime Minister offered by a military officer, instead advocating for democratic elections where citizens could choose their representatives. She emphasized her dedication to changing the fate of the Bangladeshi people, rather than seeking personal gain.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the significant progress achieved in Bangladesh since the Awami League assumed power in 2009, attributing it to democratic continuity and political stability. She highlighted the country’s transformation in various sectors, including education, health, food security, infrastructure, and digital connectivity, comparing the current state of development to 14 and a half years ago. Sheikh Hasina contrasted the budgetary allocations of previous governments, emphasizing her administration’s prioritization of education and increased funding compared to the past.
Drawing inspiration from the country’s founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina highlighted the government’s commitment to science, technology, and vocational education. To promote scientific education, her government established twelve science and technology universities across the country. The Prime Minister also criticized the previous BNP-Jamaat alliance government for discontinuing scholarships for pursuing master’s and Ph.D. degrees abroad, as well as canceling an agreement to purchase laptops, resulting in a financial loss for Bangladesh.
Lastly, Sheikh Hasina underscored her government’s efforts to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment in educational institutions, citing the reign of terror that prevailed during the rule of the BNP-Jamaat alliance. She highlighted how military dictator Ziaur Rahman diverted young individuals from education toward destructive activities by providing them with financial resources and weapons.
