Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Monday said equipping the new generation with modern technical skills will enable a prosperous Bangladesh to stand tall on the world stage.
Addressing an event as a special guest at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar of the capital, the minister noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was deeply impressed by the talent and ingenuity displayed by the country's young scientists.
The Ministry of Education organized the event to mark a nationwide secondary-level tree-planting initiative, alongside the exhibition and award ceremony for the national-level 'Startup, Science Project and Innovation Idea Showcasing' competition.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended as the chief guest, inaugurating the tree-planting program, touring the innovation stalls and distributing awards to the winning young scientists.
Highlighting the government's focus on the education and tech sectors, the Education Minister revealed that Tk 18,000 crore has been allocated specifically for technical education this year.
"The mismanagement and stagnation of previous regimes are being systematically addressed," Dr. Milon said, adding that a total of Tk 1,36,000 crore has been allocated to meet the direct needs of the education sector to fund various quality-improvement projects.
Addressing the students, the minister emphasized that under visionary leadership, the nation is paving the way for a "Bangladesh First" global identity.
Before the prize distribution, students from the top 10 national winning teams took the stage to share their experiences. A student from a remote area in Khagrachhari expressed that standing on a national stage felt like a dream and proved that talent is hidden in every marginalized region.
Another student from Chatkhil High School thanked the government, noting that increased technology funding has opened major windows of opportunity for youth innovation.
The event was presided over by Abdul Khaleq, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, with a welcome address delivered by Professor Dr. Khan Mainuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE).
Prime Minister's wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Defense Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A K M Shamsul Islam, Education Adviser Dr. Mahdi Amin, Chief Secretary A B M Abdus Sattar and Press Secretary Saleh Shibli and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, among others, attended the programme.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
