Tech Training Transformation: Minister Stresses Separate Path for Vocational Education
Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has emphasized the need to give distinct importance to technical and vocational education to elevate it to international standards. He said, “Engineering education and technical education are not the same. These two should not be confused.” At the same time, he clearly stated that no changes are being made to the Diploma Engineering program without specific planning and consultation.
On Sunday evening, 5 April, the minister responded to various questions from students at an exchange meeting held at the auditorium of the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) in the capital.
The meeting discussed the development of technical and vocational education, policy proposals, and various issues related to the interests of teachers and diploma engineers. Speakers highlighted plans to improve the quality of technical education and make it more time-appropriate.
In the presence of IDEB central leaders and diploma engineers and vocational teachers from across the country, a student from Dhaka Polytechnic Institute raised his experience of studying Diploma in Civil Engineering. In response, the minister explained the distinction between diploma and engineering education.
When the student identified himself as a diploma engineer, the minister remarked that engineers and diploma engineers should not be considered the same.
The minister stated that his primary goal is to advance technical and vocational education. Citing the vocational education system of Singapore as an example, he said that skill development is prioritized there even without conventional academic qualifications, and he himself has visited such institutions.
During the discussion, students noted that although approximately 59 percent of polytechnic education in the country is supposed to be practical, there is a shortfall in reality. In response, the minister said that he also did not find the expected practical scenario during his visits to laboratories. In this context, he commented, “Like the proverbial cow that exists in books and records but not in the cowshed.”
When the student later sought support for improving implementation, the minister said that polytechnic institutes could be transformed into engineering colleges and that separate technical schools should be established. He added that it is difficult to effectively manage engineering and technical education together.
At the end of the meeting, he reiterated that structural changes are essential to modernize and make technical education effective in the country. This will enable students to acquire practical skills and compete at international standards.
Earlier, in response to questions from journalists at the Secretariat, Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon said that, in the context of the global energy crisis caused by the war situation in the Middle East, a plan for electricity savings in educational institutions will be finalized at the next cabinet meeting to be held this week. That is, whether classes will be conducted in a hybrid mode—both in-person and online—or through any other arrangement will be decided at the cabinet meeting. Prior to that, the Ministry of Education will hold discussions with stakeholders. He said, “The Prime Minister has instructed us to consult with stakeholders and determine how to systematically distribute online and offline methods. We have not yet been able to sit with the stakeholders.”
“We will meet with stakeholders in the next couple of days to make a decision on this matter. We will then inform the cabinet, after which the cabinet will decide what course of action to take.”
However, a high-level source from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education said that they also believe it is difficult to conduct online classes for all students in government primary schools. Therefore, they are considering how to address the issue while keeping schools open. However, the final decision will come from the cabinet.
DBTech/IH/MUIM/OR
