Prime Minister's Adviser on Education, Primary and Mass Education Mahdi Amin on Wednesday wished Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examination candidates success and outlined the government's planned reforms to the country's education system.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat ahead of the HSC and equivalent examinations, which begin on Thursday, Mahdi said the government is working to introduce a more holistic curriculum under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He said the revised curriculum would place greater emphasis on culture, sports and co-curricular activities alongside academic learning.
"The prime minister's vision is to make technical and vocational education compulsory in our education system. We plan to introduce it from Class VI, beginning with theoretical lessons and gradually incorporating practical training," he said.
Mahdi also said the government intended to gradually introduce a third language into the national curriculum.
Describing education as a "360-degree platform", he said the government's goal was to ensure students could develop their talent, creativity and intellectual abilities by pursuing subjects that matched their interests.
He added that the proposed education system would emphasise moral education, family values and social responsibility while equipping students with the skills needed for employment, entrepreneurship and careers at home and abroad.
"The reforms are a continuous process," he said, noting that the government had been in office for only four and a half months, making major curriculum changes impossible before the next academic year because of the limited time available for printing textbooks.
He expressed hope that substantial curriculum reforms would begin in the following academic year.
Wishing HSC candidates success, Mahdi described the examination as a significant milestone in students' lives and assured them of the government's full support.
He said the government had instructed law enforcement agencies, civil administration and all officials involved in conducting the examinations to ensure a safe, smooth and student-friendly environment.
"Our students should be able to sit for the examinations without fear or unnecessary pressure," he said.
According to Mahdi Amin, about 621,000 male students and more than 648,000 female students are expected to take this year's HSC and equivalent examinations, with female candidates again outnumbering their male counterparts.
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon and Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khalek were also present at the press briefing.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
