Govt focusing on cross-border education to save forex, attract intellectual capital: Edu minister
Just developing university infrastructure is not enough. We also need to improve the quality of education, Milon says.
The government is working to introduce "cross-border education" in Bangladesh to save foreign currency and attract intellectual capital from abroad, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said today (1 September).
"Cross-border education" would allow students to access international-standard academic programmes without having to leave the country, he said while addressing an event marking the 2026 University Day of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (Kuet) as the chief guest.
"Just developing university infrastructure is not enough. We also need to improve the quality of education," Milon said, stressing the importance of alumni associations and graduate employment in assessing a university's standing and quality.
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He called for greater emphasis on developing students' skills to improve the country's university rankings.
The minister also suggested introducing modern disciplines such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and robotics at KUET to prepare students for future challenges.
"There is no shortage of talented students in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi students are performing well at universities abroad," he said.
He stressed the need to promote a "reverse brain drain" by encouraging talented Bangladeshis studying abroad to return home and contribute their expertise to the country.
The government also aims to develop Bangladesh into an "education hub", Milon said.
He further said the government was working to bring teachers of MPO-enlisted educational institutions under a new pay structure and that an announcement would be made soon.
National Parliament Whip Rakibul Islam Bokul attended the event as a special guest.
Kuet Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Masud presided over the programme, which was attended by university teachers, students and other stakeholders.
Kuet began its journey as a university on 1 September 2003. It currently conducts teaching and research across 16 undergraduate and 20 postgraduate departments under four faculties.
