Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Sept 9, 2026 (BSS) - Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has said the government is giving the highest priority to modernizing the education system, applying artificial intelligence (AI) and expanding technical education to transform the country's large population into skilled human resources.

"The population is the country's main asset," he said, adding, "There is no scope for staying behind in the use of artificial intelligence and modern technology in the current era."

The minister made the remarks while addressing the plenary session titled 'Teachers at the Center: Agency, Competencies and the Teacher-Student Relationship' at 'Digital Learning Week 2026', held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, today.

"The use of AI is increasing in educational institutions around the world.

"We are also attaching special importance to it. Projects such as 'One Teacher, One Tab' and 'Multimedia Classroom' have already been undertaken to enhance teachers' skills by integrating technology into classrooms," he said.

At the conference, he sought strategic and technical cooperation from UNESCO for successful implementation of the government's initiatives and programmes.

Highlighting the picture of overseas employment and the national economy, Dr Milon said there is huge global demand for skilled manpower in the technical sector.

"Our expatriate workers are one of the key driving forces of Bangladesh's economy. If we can send them abroad after equipping them with skills through technical training, foreign currency earnings and the prosperity of the country will increase manifold," he added.

At the same time, the government is emphasizing learning a 'third language' for students alongside Bangla, the mother tongue, and English, the principal international language, to improve communication skills and enable them to remain competitive in the global market, he said.

Speaking about the development of higher education, the Education Minister said there is no alternative to quality research for sustainable national development.

He also said proficiency in English is essential as it is the principal medium of international research and global communication.

Carlos Vargas, head of UNESCO's Teacher Development Section, delivered the welcome address at the event.

International educationists, policymakers and representatives from different countries attended the conference.