Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin on Thursday said the government will use a newly announced $48 million grant to accelerate reforms aimed at building a modern, inclusive and skills-based education system.
Speaking during the official announcement of GPE System Transformation Grant and Multiplier Grant for Bangladesh, Mahdi thanked international stakeholders for the grant, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the new government, which has been in office for less than five months.
He said the funding would support the implementation of the education reform agenda outlined in the government’s election manifesto under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
According to Mahdi, the government plans to introduce compulsory technical and vocational education from Class VI, a third language for students, and mandatory subjects on culture and sports as part of a broader initiative to promote “Learning with Happiness.”
He said the government aims to create an education system that fosters collaboration, creativity and talent rather than rote learning, while ensuring equal opportunities for students across the country.
The adviser also highlighted several initiatives to reduce educational disparities between urban and rural areas, including the “One Teacher, One Tab” programme, multimedia classrooms, standardised school uniforms, bags and shoes, and the gradual rollout of a nationwide midday meal programme.
Mahdi emphasised that teacher development would remain at the centre of the reform agenda, saying the government would invest in training, capacity building and professional development while incorporating global best practices into the education system.
He expressed confidence that close coordination between the government and development partners would ensure the effective use of the grant and help translate the government’s education policy into practical reforms.
