Skill gap persists despite policy reforms in education sector: Bobby Hajjaj

Bangladesh has failed to achieve meaningful improvement in education over the years due to the absence of a clear, consistent vision, despite multiple commissions and policy reforms, said State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj.

“Past education initiatives remained fragmented and largely certificate-focused, limiting their impact on learning outcomes,” he said while speaking at a seminar titled “Role of teachers and the state in improving the quality of education” in Rupganj, Narayanganj today (12 April). 

He said the government is now working with a defined vision aimed at shifting the system towards skill development, innovation, and career-oriented education.

“We are not facing a shortage of jobs; we are facing a shortage of skilled people,” he said, adding that many available positions remain unfilled as job seekers often lack practical competencies despite holding academic degrees.

Hajjaj said this mismatch between education and employability is evident during recruitment processes, where candidates fail to perform in interviews due to inadequate skills.

He also noted that Bangladesh is losing potential economic gains as foreign workers are employed in several sectors, while neighbouring countries are benefiting by exporting skilled manpower.

Calling for a mindset shift from the primary level, he stressed the need to build a workforce aligned with labour market demands through practical, technology-driven education.