Vision to transform Bangladesh into an international education hub
Education Minister urges introducing Food Technology at Naogaon University
- Official academic activities of Naogaon University have been inaugurated
- Education Minister suggested introducing 'Food Technology' considering regional agriculture
- Government plans to develop domestic universities as 'Centres of Excellence'
Education and Primary & Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan has urged the inclusion of region-based technology-driven subjects, including 'Food Technology', at the newly launched Naogaon University.
Expressing his conviction that Bangladesh will become a global 'Education Hub', he said, "We are developing the country's universities accordingly." When a university is established in any region, the demands of that specific region must be taken into consideration. Since a huge amount of mangoes and other crops are produced in the Naogaon region, keeping that in view, subjects like 'Food Technology' can be integrated when introducing new subjects at this university in the future. As a result, students will be enriched with region-based practical and technological education.
The official inauguration ceremony of the historic academic activities of this university was held on Saturday, July 18, at the Naogaon University premises. Attending the function as the chief guest, the Education Minister opened a new horizon for higher education in this region.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony, Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan said, "Once upon a time, a large number of students from different countries of the world used to come to study at the universities of our country. Now students from this country go abroad to study. We want to develop our universities as 'Centres of Excellence'. As a result, foreign students will be more interested in studying at the universities of this country. Our goal is to transform this country into an international 'Education Hub'. The students of Bangladesh are highly meritorious. Those who have gone abroad from this country to study have achieved good results and reputation. This country has an abundance of human resources. To utilize the immense potential we have in building this nation, we must develop our manpower into a skilled one. When a university is established in a region, the demands of that region must also be looked into. Since a huge amount of mangoes and other crops are produced in this region, keeping that in mind, new subjects can be introduced in Naogaon University in the future. In that case, subjects like 'Food Technology' can be connected."
Regarding the recent decision to postpone an HSC exam by one hour due to waterlogging in Cumilla, the Education Minister explained that the decision was made out of humanitarian consideration for the students' benefit. He also urged the media to be more responsible in reporting on rumors of question paper leaks. Criticizing misleading campaigns about the examination system on social media, he stated that evaluating merit and issuing certificates without examinations is impossible.
Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon further added, "Some people post very nice things. A teacher, who has 'Doctor' before his name, has nicknamed me 'Exam Milon' instead of 'Minister Milon.' He calls me 'Exam Milon.' Doctor, did you earn your PhD without taking any exams?"
"In today's developed world, education is delivered through new methods, including project-based systems. But does it happen without exams? What are you trying to say? The quality of education must be improved, but without exams? Can you get a certificate without an exam?"
He also remarked, "Nowadays, I see many respected individuals making such confusing comments. Sometimes I wonder if there have been too many PhDs in Bangladesh, and we need to investigate those PhDs."
Sharing an anecdote about PhD degrees, the Education Minister recounted, "A person saw a sign advertising PhD degrees for $10. He paid the money and received a PhD certificate in his name. Later, he thought that his horse had helped him get there, so the horse should also have a PhD. But the institution informed him that they issue PhDs to donkeys, not horses. Do you understand?"
Referring to recent student protests, the Education Minister stated, "Those who trolled me were not examinees. I didn't see anyone from institutions like City College, Ideal College, or Vikanunnesa protesting. What kind of havoc was created by misleading protests like this? I want to state clearly that we have come here and been entrusted with the responsibility of educating this nation. No matter how much you troll or slander us, you cannot deter us from our rightful duty. Those who speak disruptively and try to incite society by dismissing educational principles. Our youth generation will defeat them."
He further stated that students have negatively perceived a narrative. If the nation becomes half-blind this way, our future will not be good. There is no benefit in confusing students and creating unnecessary chaotic situations in the name of protests.
The Education Minister firmly declared, "We have come with the responsibility to educate this nation. No matter how much anyone trolls us, you cannot deter us from our rightful duty."
He added, "From 2001 to 2006, I served as the State Minister of this ministry under Begum Khaleda Zia's leadership. Today, I am serving under her eldest son, Tarique Rahman. How can you even imagine I would be instructed to condone injustice? Certainly not. You all should remain steadfast in your responsibilities. We must continue our studies, and we must improve their quality."
Presided over by Naogaon University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Moha. Hasanat Ali, Minister of State for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, National University Vice-Chancellor Dr. A. S. M. Amanullah, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh Member Professor Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, and Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Director General Professor Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel spoke as special guests.
In addition, Members of Parliament from various constituencies of Naogaon, the Zila Parishad Administrator, the District Commissioner, and the Superintendent of Police were present as honored guests.
//DBTech/SS/SME//
