Former BB governor Atiur Rahman addressing at an international conference in Dhaka on July 28, 2017. Photo: BBN
Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The entire education system must reform itself to meet the demand for both Bangladesh and the World as the economy is getting increasingly globalised, former governor of Bangladesh Bank Atiur Rahman has said.
“For this to happen we need to increase our investment substantially so that we can get competent graduates who can as well meet the global demands,” Professor Rahman said while addressing at a international conference on TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), on Friday held in the capital Dhaka.
The three-day long conference, organized by the Institute of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, is scheduled to be ended today (Saturday).
Dr. Rahman also said TVET can provide us with the opportunities of 'killing two birds with one stone' by making our youths better ready for the changing job market and providing a stream of potential workforce for our growing industrial sector.
After elaborating on the challenges faced by Bangladesh in coping with the skills demand, the former governor suggested a few concrete ways forward.
Firstly, the policy makers must make not only coherent policies on TVET but also focus on quality of the graduates for their desired employability.
Secondly, policy decisions must be informed by necessary market research particularly on quality and demand issues.
Thirdly, private sector must be taken into confidence while making any policy decision related to TVET.
Fourthly, the TVET system mast adapt to changing global markets including the kind of jobs available abroad.
And finally, there is a need for change in mind set of the policy makers and as well as of the graduates for moving away from the desk-based to technology embedded jobs.
Dr. Rahman also emphasized greater participation of the private sector in TVET curriculum development so that the system can create more entrepreneurs who will be self-employed in addition to providing others employment.
“For that to happen we need to give greater emphasis on Research and Development for greater innovation in the educational institutions,” he explained.
The chief guest of the session, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury also emphasized on the significance of infusion of technology in our socio-economic development including government's push for making Bangladesh Digital.
Also he informed that the government has decided to launch the National Skills Development Authority to steer the development of skills for different sectors.
The session was chaired by Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).
BBN/SSR/AD