World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, Jean Pesme, met with the Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister, Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, at the Secretariat in Dhaka today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, March 10, 2026 (BSS) - Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today called for strengthening cooperation with the World Bank to accelerate reforms in the country’s education sector and improve the quality of education.

The call came during a courtesy meeting between the minister and World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Jean Pesme at the Secretariat here today, said a press release.

The meeting discussed ways to enhance collaboration between the government and the World Bank to strengthen the country’s education system from primary to higher education.

During the meeting, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to further strengthening the entire education system.

He said improving the quality of education and accelerating the implementation of ongoing development projects are among the top priorities of the present government.

Dr Milon also stressed the need for identifying existing challenges through evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing projects to ensure more effective outcomes in the future.

The meeting noted that although Bangladesh has achieved significant progress in student enrolment, challenges still remain in areas such as literacy, quality teacher training and the development of students’ skills and talents.

To address the challenges, both sides emphasised the importance of skill development, introduction of digital education systems and employment-oriented education.

They also reviewed the progress of various initiatives currently being implemented with the support of the World Bank.

The meeting further discussed potential areas of future cooperation, including the establishment of multimedia and smart classrooms and increased support for advanced research at universities.

The minister expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s continued partnership in modernising Bangladesh’s education system. 

Senior officials of the Education Ministry and members of the World Bank delegation were present at the meeting.