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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged the development of a practical, job-oriented education system focused on skills and technology, rather than mere certificates. Addressing a training program for college teachers at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, he stressed the necessity of modernizing the traditional curriculum to confront the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

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In this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, there is no alternative to modernising and updating the traditional education curriculum to face the challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

Rahman highlighted that over a decade and a half of "fascist rule" had not only undermined democratic rights and institutions but also disrupted the education system. He acknowledged the National University's role in higher education, noting that over 4 million students are enrolled in its affiliated colleges. Established by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the university, he stated, is crucial for expanding modern, technology-based higher education.

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While many old professions are at risk due to automation and AI-driven technologies, a lot of new jobs are being created.

"While many old professions are at risk due to automation and AI-driven technologies, a lot of new jobs are being created," Rahman observed. He advocated for integrating subjects such as AI, cybersecurity, programming, digital entrepreneurship, quantum computing, nanotechnology, and 5G technology into the curriculum to prepare students for this evolving landscape. The Prime Minister also pointed out the high unemployment rate among highly educated individuals due to a lack of practical skills.

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Despite attaining the highest academic certificates, many remain unemployed due to lack of practical skills.

To address this, the government is implementing initiatives like apprenticeships, internships, and industry-academia collaborations, initially in divisional cities. Furthermore, plans are underway to provide 'seed funding' or 'innovation grants' through a competitive process to commercialize innovative business ideas from campuses, fostering entrepreneurship among students and youth. Rahman called upon teachers to act as pioneers and role models for social change, emphasizing the transformation of students into a technologically skilled workforce.

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A decision has been taken to provide 'seed funding' or 'innovation grants' through a competitive process to commercialise 'innovative business ideas' in colleges and universities to create business entrepreneurs from the campus.