Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon addressing at the plenary session of the Education World Forum 2026 in London. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 20, 2026 (BSS) - Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister 
A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon today said education systems must be reformed to 
ensure students acquire skills, confidence, creativity and values alongside 
academic qualifications.

The minister made the remarks while delivering his speech at the plenary 
session of the Education World Forum 2026 held at the Queen Elizabeth II 
Centre in London, the largest annual gathering of education ministers 
worldwide. This year, education ministers from around 150 countries are 
participating in the forum.

Speaking at the session, Milon said Bangladesh has returned to a democratic 
path after a long period of undemocratic rule. "After winning with 
overwhelming public support, we formed the government under the leadership of 
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. This mandate has given us a significant 
responsibility to bring meaningful changes in the education sector," he said.

He added that public expectations clearly indicate the need for qualitative 
transformation in education, which should go beyond producing graduates and 
instead prepare students for the job market.

"Such transformation must ensure that students do not only pass examinations 
but also develop skills, confidence, creativity and values. Education must 
open pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and dignity," he 
said.

Emphasising "joyful learning," the minister said students should be provided 
with an environment that encourages curiosity and creativity rather than rote 
memorisation.

He stressed the importance of developing problem-solving abilities, values, 
sports, cultural activities and mental resilience among students.

Highlighting government initiatives in the education sector, he said steps 
have been taken to expand third-language learning, introduce technical and 
vocational education at secondary level, extend school feeding programmes, 
and provide uniforms, shoes and bags to students. He also mentioned plans to 
gradually increase education investment to 5 percent of GDP.

On teachers and technology, the minister said teachers remain the leaders of 
change. Referring to the government's "One Teacher, One Tablet" initiative, 
he said it will further enhance teachers' digital capacity.

The education minister said artificial intelligence and other modern 
technologies must serve as supportive tools for teachers and students to 
improve learning outcomes.

"Technology must be used to enhance education and reduce inequality, not to 
widen it," he added.