Quality education still not ensured despite rise in institutions: Education Minister

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has acknowledged that Bangladesh is still struggling to ensure quality education for students despite a significant increase in the number of educational institutions across the country.

He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the “China-Bangladesh Education Cooperation Forum-2026” as chief guest at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium in the capital's Segunbagicha on Saturday (May 9).

The minister said the country continues to face a shortage of quality schools, colleges, and higher educational institutions. “Although the number of institutions has increased, we have not yet been able to ensure the desired standard of education,” he said.

Highlighting the current higher education landscape, Milan noted that Bangladesh now has 57 public and 116 private universities. However, he admitted that the expansion in numbers has not translated into satisfactory educational quality.

“We are still failing to provide quality education,” the minister stated, stressing the need for effective classroom-based learning and continuous student assessment rather than relying solely on year-end examinations.

He also announced plans to launch joint teacher training programmes with China aimed at improving teaching standards and modernising the country’s education system.

According to the minister, the government has already initiated work on a new curriculum, updated syllabuses, and revised academic calendars as part of broader education reforms. He added that steps are also being considered to make third-language learning mandatory in the future.

Praising China’s education system, Milan said around 16,000 Bangladeshi students are currently pursuing practical and career-oriented education in China, which he believes will contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s future development.