Population not a burden, youth must be turned into skilled workforce: Education minister

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has said population is not a burden and that the country’s youth must be transformed into a skilled workforce by reforming the education system.

Speaking today (11 April) after a meeting with centre secretaries from the Rajshahi Education Board, Madrasa Education Board, and Technical Education Board at the Rajshahi Medical College auditorium.

The minister said classrooms, in addition to examination centres, will be brought under surveillance through the installation of CCTV cameras. 

He noted that some examiners do not evaluate scripts themselves, instead using “helpers” to do the work. To address this, sample scripts will be collected and reviewed to ensure proper evaluation, he added.

Milon warned that cheating methods have evolved and become digital, and strict action will be taken against organised cheating syndicates in educational institutions.

Referring to the quality of education at the district level, he said many district officials send their children to study in Dhaka and suggested that officials working in districts should be required to enrol their children in local government schools to help improve standards.

The minister added that there is little concern about students who spend time on platforms like TikTok instead of studying, but the government will prioritise and focus on those who are dedicated to their education.