Politics Without Tech is a Tool of Exploitation: Rizvi

Stressing that building a competent workforce is impossible without expanding vocational training, Special Political Advisor to the Prime Minister and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi remarked that politics devoid of technological awareness serves as a tool of exploitation.

Addressing a discussion meeting today, Saturday (August 1), at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) in Kakrail, Dhaka, Rizvi noted, "A politician does not need to be a professional engineer, but having a keen interest and working knowledge of technology and technical arts is crucial for national development."

Highlighting the deficit in technical infrastructure, Rizvi pointed out, "Bangladesh currently has only 164 technical institutions at the secondary and college levels, compared to nearly 450 upazilas. Every upazila, as well as major rural commercial hubs, must have dedicated technical training centers."

He emphasized equipping school dropouts with practical trade skills. "If students facing economic hardship acquire vocational expertise before or upon dropping out, they can immediately generate self-employment as technicians, electricians, or mechanics," he added, calling for technical modules to be introduced right from the primary level.

Rizvi urged a shift in societal perceptions that favor traditional degrees over technical trades. Citing the inspiring journey of late Bollywood actor and writer Kader Khan—who completed his diploma under hardship before earning a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering—Rizvi illustrated how vocational paths can lead to higher academic and professional success.

Drawing parallels with China's economic rise since 1978, he underscored how focused investment in technical education transformed China's infrastructure and global standing. Exporting skilled technical labor rather than untrained workers would significantly boost foreign remittances and enhance worker security abroad, Rizvi concluded, pledging to advocate for stronger industry-technician linkages at the policy level.

The event was presided over by Md. Ahsanul Habib Khan, president of the Bangladesh Government Technical School and College Teachers Association.

Special guests included Md. Daud Mia, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division of the Ministry of Education; Abul Khayer Md. Akkas Ali, Director General of the Directorate of Technical Education; Engineer Md. Kabir Hossain, convener of the IDEB interim central committee; and Engineer Kazi Sakhawat Hossain, member secretary. The keynote paper was presented by Md. Foyezul Bari, former principal of Meherpur Government Technical School and College.
//DBTech/ATN/BNO//