The government is set to reduce the duration of the National University’s four-year honors courses to three years. This decision was announced by Aminul Islam, the Special Assistant to the Education Adviser, at an event organized on the occasion of International Education Day on Sunday at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka.

Aminul Islam explained that under the new system, the honors program will be shortened to three years, while the additional year will be dedicated to diploma and vocational training. Students will receive two certificates upon completion: one for the honors degree and another for the diploma. He assured that the diploma certification would be widely accepted, and this new approach would make students well-equipped for a variety of jobs, emphasizing that they would not struggle to find employment.

Aminul Islam further emphasized that this change is expected to positively impact the workforce, as students will have more practical training and certifications, increasing their employability. He also highlighted that many parents still pressure their children to complete a Bachelor's and Master's degree, regardless of their interest in teaching or working in the field. This pressure, according to him, stems from societal perceptions where a degree is seen as a necessity for securing a marriage or a good job.

He acknowledged, however, that many graduates do not seek employment, either because they have family businesses or financial stability. He noted that the stigma surrounding vocational education needs to be addressed, as many people still regard diploma and technical degrees as inferior or less prestigious.

Aminul Islam announced plans for significant reforms in technical education, stating that while it is crucial for the country’s development, it is currently underdeveloped. He mentioned that the shortage of qualified teachers and practical training facilities for technical education is a major challenge. He stressed the need for change, noting that many students graduate without practical experience, despite having received theoretical training. The government plans to address these gaps in the coming future to enhance the quality of technical education in Bangladesh.

The event was attended by various distinguished guests, including Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Primary and Mass Education Adviser; Professor Saidur Rahman, UGC Member; Kabirul Islam, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division; Abu Taher Mohammad Masud Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education; and Professor Abdur Razzak, Chairperson of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Dhaka University. The session was chaired by Siddique Jobayer, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division.