–MD Asadullah Al Mahmud–

Education has long been recognized as the cornerstone of national development, yet in Bangladesh, our education system remains woefully out of sync with the demands of the modern world. At a time when countries are racing to adapt to global advancements, our system still clings to outdated curricula, irrelevant disciplines, and a misalignment between education and employment. Reforming this system is not merely a necessity-it is the key to unlocking the potential of our vast human capital and ensuring that Bangladesh thrives in the global economy.

Bangladesh, one of the most populous countries in the world, lacks the natural resources typically associated with economic growth. However, what we do possess is an immense workforce-an untapped asset. The challenge lies in transforming this human capital into a national resource, and the only path to achieving this transformation is through radical reform of our education system. In its current state, our system is ill-equipped to produce the kind of talent and expertise needed to drive national progress. Brain drain-where the most talented individuals leave for opportunities abroad-is on the rise, while those who remain struggle to find meaningful employment. If this trend continues, Bangladesh risks becoming a talentless country. The solution lies in aligning our education system with the needs of the modern economy, particularly as we face global competition.

Emerging technologies are reshaping industries at a breathtaking pace. These advancements offer tremendous opportunities but also pose significant challenges, particularly the potential loss of jobs to automation and other innovations. However, experts estimate that millions of new jobs will be created globally in sectors directly related to these advancements. The key to Bangladesh’s success lies in preparing our students to seize these opportunities rather than being overwhelmed by the challenges. If we fail to equip our students with the necessary skills and knowledge for this future, they will not only struggle to find employment but will also become a burden on the country. The education system must evolve to include subjects like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, and other future-focused disciplines. These are the areas that will define the future of work, and our students must be ready to lead, not follow.

Currently, the structure of higher education in Bangladesh is starkly misaligned with both global trends and national needs. Every year, tens of thousands of students graduate with degrees in fields like political science, Urdu, and French. While such subjects have their place in academic research, the reality is that our education system does not prioritize areas of study that are relevant to the needs of the 21st century. One of the key issues is the number and distribution of seats in universities. The current allocation reflects outdated priorities, offering far too many places in subjects with limited job prospects and too few in emerging fields critical to the economy. Universities must reassess their seat distribution to reflect modern realities, and the curriculum should be designed to prepare students for employment in growth industries.

Private universities often reflect these realities, with students selecting courses that align with job market demands. Government universities and colleges must adapt similarly, prioritizing subjects that offer real-world value and job opportunities. We can no longer afford to educate students in disciplines that do not lead to viable career paths. Education must be directly linked to employment, which means reforming not just the education system but also the recruitment processes for government jobs. Today, we see graduates in international relations employed as police officers, criminology graduates working in banks, and Urdu scholars pursuing diplomatic careers. This misalignment between education and employment leads to frustration for students and inefficiency for the country.

The recruitment system should prioritize placing students in fields where their education is directly relevant. This would ensure that their skills are utilized effectively, reducing the overreliance on certain degrees for jobs that do not require them. Such reforms would incentivize students to pursue meaningful areas of study, knowing that their education will be properly valued. One of the most significant challenges facing graduates in Bangladesh is the mismatch between their education and the skills demanded by industry. This gap can be bridged through greater collaboration between academia and industry in designing curricula, setting course objectives, and developing syllabi. By aligning education with the needs of employers, we can ensure that graduates are not just educated but employable.

The introduction of internships, industry partnerships, and hands-on training should be at the core of the reformed system. Bangladesh must develop a forward-looking strategy that encourages the growth of skills in emerging sectors, ensuring that students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, not the jobs of yesterday. One of the few bright spots in Bangladesh’s education system is the medical sector, which has earned a strong international reputation. Foreign students increasingly come to Bangladesh to pursue medical degrees, and our graduates are sought after abroad. However, even in this field, the system is at risk of falling behind unless it continues to adapt and innovate.

Medical education has remained competitive because it has kept pace with global standards. However, if reforms are not introduced, we risk losing this competitive edge. The exodus of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad is already a warning sign. To retain and attract talent, we must continue to modernize medical education and offer opportunities for advancement here in Bangladesh.

The need for education reform in Bangladesh is more urgent than ever. We face both challenges and unprecedented opportunities. By reforming our education system, aligning it with the demands of the modern world, and linking it directly to employment, we can transform our population into the country’s greatest asset.

The future is not something we can afford to approach passively. We must act decisively and reshape our education system to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. If we succeed, Bangladesh will not only keep pace with global progress but will also lead the way in many fields. Reforming education is the key to realizing this vision. The time for change is now.