Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin on Tuesday said Bangladesh must develop a more skilled, capable and responsible younger generation to build the prosperous and democratic nation envisioned by its people, stressing the need for a modern and inclusive education system.

“To build the Bangladesh people aspire to, we must make our young generation more skilled, capable and responsible citizens,” he said while addressing a national workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence” at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of University of Dhaka.

Describing education as the backbone of the nation, he said Bangladesh’s large youth population represents a major demographic opportunity.

Addressing academics, policymakers and distinguished guests, Mahdi Amin said the country must utilise the wisdom, intellect, creativity and guidance of educationists and researchers to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure people’s empowerment.

Referring to the historical role of Dhaka University, he said the institution had played a significant role in every major political transformation in Bangladesh, including the July uprising.

Mahdi Amin said the government, formed through what he described as a free, fair and credible election three months ago, has been working relentlessly under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to fulfil its electoral pledges.

He stressed the importance of modernising the education system and integrating civic values, technological skills and professional competence into schools, colleges and universities.

The adviser also highlighted the role of researchers, teachers and education experts in implementing the government’s development agenda through research, policy recommendations and methodological innovation.

He said farmers would receive subsidies and agricultural support directly through digital farmer cards, while modern technology and weather forecasting tools would help boost agricultural productivity.

He also said the government plans to introduce e-health cards to ensure access to treatment through public-private partnerships, enabling patients in remote areas to receive healthcare services free of cost under government schemes.

Mahdi Amin said the government aims to improve the status and professional skills of teachers through initiatives such as the “One Teacher, One Tab” programme, which will provide digital devices and international-standard training to educators.

He added that the government wants to ensure future generations are equipped to compete globally through a modernised and digitised curriculum.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the workshop at around 11am and delivered the keynote address.

Organised by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, the inaugural session was chaired by its Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed.

Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed presented a commemorative crest to the Prime Minister on behalf of the UGC.