Tech-Driven Teaching: Bangladesh–China Tie-Up Targets Training, Transformation

The government has taken an initiative, in joint collaboration with China, to provide training for general and technical teachers. To move beyond the conventional GPA-5-centric education system and develop the new generation into globally competitive citizens, a plan has been adopted to gradually allocate 5 percent of the country’s GDP to the education sector.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural program of the “China-Bangladesh Education Cooperation Forum-2026,” held on 9 May, Saturday, at the International Mother Language Institute in the capital.

He said, “Our main goal is to transform the existing education system into a modern and scientific framework so that students can compete on the international stage. To achieve this, the government is already introducing changes in the curriculum and academic calendar. Initiatives are being taken to enhance teachers’ skills through education and technical training programs in collaboration with China.”

The minister stated that modernization of the education system is essential for the advancement of the sector. Students are the future of the nation, and they must be developed as capable leaders for the country.

He further added that Bangladesh aims to strengthen its bridge of relations with China, with education serving as the primary pillar of that connection.

Highlighting opportunities for higher education in China, Dr. Milan said, “China’s education system is advanced and not very expensive. Currently, around 16,000 Bangladeshi students are successfully pursuing their studies there.”

He noted that to meet the challenges of globalization, the government has made ‘third language’ education mandatory. In particular, learning the Chinese language will open vast opportunities in the international job market and higher education for Bangladeshi students.

The event was organized by the Chinese Embassy and the “China-Bangladesh Education and Cultural Exchange Association.” Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between institutions of Bangladesh and China to enhance cooperation in the education sector. Following the signing ceremony, the guests inaugurated an education and technology exhibition and visited various stalls.

The event was presided over by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen. Special guests included the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khalek, University Grants Commission Chairman Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dr. ABM Badruzzaman, and Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Professor Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed informed that the commission is actively working to build sustainable and effective collaboration between universities in Bangladesh and China. He stated, “We believe that to truly enhance the quality of higher education, we must look toward the international arena and build strong bridges with leading countries in education.”

He added that Bangladesh’s universities are keen to elevate the country’s higher education system to an international standard by learning from China’s remarkable progress in the sector over the past decades. He emphasized the need for deeper engagement in areas such as modern laboratory infrastructure, joint research funding, and teacher training programs.

The UGC Chairman said, “To achieve this goal, our universities must go beyond signing formal MoUs. Effective initiatives such as joint degree programs, dual supervision for PhD researchers, and the publication of joint research papers in high-quality journals must be undertaken.”

Professor Dr. Liao Peng, Deputy Director of Yunnan University; Tan Gangyi, Dean of Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Zhang Xiaoyan, President of Guangdong Finance and Trade Vocational College; and Han Kun, President of the China Enterprise Association in Bangladesh also spoke at the event.

Students from various schools, colleges, and universities in the capital also participated in the event.

DBTech/SH/MUIM/OR