Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon spoke at a discussion session held at the Primary Teachers Training Institute (PTI) in capital's Mirpur area today. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon today underscored the need for restructuring the education system to make it employment-oriented, skill-based and relevant to the demands of the times.

"The current conventional education system in the country is contributing to the rising unemployment. The education system will be restructured to make it skill-based, job-oriented, and aligned with modern needs," he said.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion session held at the Primary Teachers Training Institute (PTI) in capital's Mirpur area. 

The event was organised by the Primary and Mass Education Ministry on the occasion of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day.

Dr. Milon said education is not meant to increase unemployment but to serve as a tool for creating a skilled workforce.
 
"The expansion of skill-based education is still insufficient compared to actual demand. The education system will be redesigned to nurture students as competent, employable and productive individuals," he added.

Highlighting the importance of the mother tongue, the minister said Bengali is the primary medium of our thoughts and feelings.
 
However, in the era of globalisation, learning English as a second language is essential to enhance linguistic competency, he added.
 
He also said the government will take effective steps to preserve and develop the languages of the country's small ethnic communities.

Speaking on the occasion as special guest, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said, "The ministry will follow a 'zero tolerance' policy against corruption in all its departments. No room for any corruption will be allowed in the next five years."

The state minister emphasised three key pillars for improving education quality - curriculum, classroom and consistency.

He expressed commitment to ensuring qualitative coordination among Bengali medium, English medium, technical and madrasah education.

The programme was presided over by Primary and Mass Education Ministry Secretary Abu Taher Md Masud Rana. 

Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Abu Noor Md. Shamsuzzaman, senior ministry and directorate officials, teachers and guardians were also present.