Hosneara Khuku, Khulna

The government is taking steps to introduce cross-border education in Bangladesh to minimize foreign currency outflow and attract foreign intellectual capital, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon announced on Tuesday.

Addressing the 2026 University Day celebration at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) as the chief guest, the minister said cross-border education would allow Bangladeshi students to access international-standard academic programs domestically.

“Developing university infrastructure alone is not enough; we must elevate the quality of education,” Milon said, highlighting the role of active alumni associations and graduate employability in raising institutional standards and global university rankings.

To prepare students for future global challenges, the education minister advocated for integrating modern disciplines into KUET’s academic curriculum, including artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and robotics.

Emphasizing the potential of domestic talent, Milon noted that Bangladeshi students consistently excel at premier institutions abroad. He urged for initiatives to drive a “reverse brain drain”—encouraging skilled Bangladeshi scholars and professionals overseas to return home and contribute to national development, with the broader goal of establishing Bangladesh as a regional education hub.

On secondary and higher secondary educational administration, the minister added that the government is finalizing a new pay structure for teachers at MPO-enlisted institutions, with an official announcement expected shortly.

The event was presided over by KUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Masud. National Parliament Whip Rakibul Islam Bokul attended as a special guest alongside faculty members, students, and key administrative stakeholders.

KUET began its journey as a full-fledged university on September 1, 2003. It currently operates 16 undergraduate and 20 postgraduate departments across four faculties.