EdTech Emphasis Echoed by Education Adviser
Technology has created boundless opportunities for new possibilities in education, said Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Adviser to the Ministry of Education, emphasizing that technology can play a significant role in teaching, teacher training, and education monitoring. “We want to use technology as a complement to education, not as a replacement,” he stated. “We want to use it in a way that enables even students in remote areas to access quality teachers, quality materials, and necessary support. Through digital learning platforms, report teaching, and online tours, we aim to create a new learning environment that empowers teachers, engages students, and involves parents.”
He made these remarks on Wednesday, June 4, during an exchange of views with journalists at the Secretariat. Senior Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division Siddiq Zobair, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division Dr. Kh M Kabirul Islam, and Chairman of the Dhaka Education Board Professor Dr. Khondokar Ehsanul Kabir, among other senior ministry officials, were present at the session.
Referring to the recent investment summit organized by BIDA, the education adviser said, “We hope to utilize the ideas generated in the summit to advance EdTech and integrate it into our overall education system.”
He added, “We are working to ensure that every teacher can effectively use the power of technology in the classroom. From July, the online transfer process for college teachers will begin.”
Outlining steps taken to expand technical education to reduce unemployment, Dr. Abrar said that discussions have been held with industry experts and representatives from sectors like leather, pharmaceuticals, and ceramics on quality development and internships. “We have held extensive consultations with stakeholders to align technical education programs with the needs of local and international job markets. We believe that women’s participation in technical education remains limited, and we will work to address this. A decision has also been made to integrate technology in madrasah education,” he added.
On the issue of transparency, Professor Abrar reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against corruption in the education sector. He revealed, “I was personally offered a bribe of one crore taka in exchange for a transfer.”
Giving a specific example, he said, “There was a lobbying attempt for the appointment to a major position. A reputed intellectual lobbied on his behalf. Upon background verification, we found the individual unqualified for the post and rejected him. Later, he tried to reach me through other channels and offered me a certain amount. I can tell you it was one crore taka. The person he used to contact me is someone I know, who is also associated with an institution. I don’t want to say more, but I want to make it clear to my colleagues—hold firm to your moral ground. As long as I’m in this position, I will not tolerate corruption.”
