Bangladesh building industry-aligned TVET ecosystem: Milon

Bangladesh is developing a comprehensive technical and vocational education and training (TVET) ecosystem aligned with industry needs to connect education directly with employment amid growing demand for artificial intelligence, digitalisation and green technology skills, said Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon.

"We are building a comprehensive national ecosystem in which curricula are aligned with the practical needs of industry; teachers continuously update their knowledge and skills to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies; students gain hands-on, industry-linked experience; and the National Qualifications Framework directly creates opportunities for employment and livelihoods," he said. 

He said these while delivering Bangladesh's national statement at the opening session of the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference 2026 in Tianjin, China, today.

Held under the theme "TVET: Embracing Change Together, Setting Standards Together, Building the Future Together," the conference brought together education ministers from over 40 countries, government delegations from more than 100 countries, UN Unesco representatives, and industry experts.

The minister, speaking as a keynote speaker on the occasion, said human resources were Bangladesh's greatest asset and TVET served as a vital bridge between education, practical skills, and employment.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China last June, Milon said both countries had reaffirmed their commitment to educational cooperation and human resource development.

Highlighting Bangladesh's interest in China's technological expertise to modernise technical education and strengthen industry-institution partnerships, the minister urged countries to make education systems adaptable to emerging technologies, tailor global TVET standards to national needs, and strengthen partnerships among governments, educational institutions, industries, and international organisations.

On the sidelines, Milon met Chinese Vice Minister of Education Ren Youqun to discuss upgrading technical institutions, joint programmes, expanded Chinese scholarships for Bangladeshi students, and establishing a Bangladesh-China Joint Technical and Technology University in Bangladesh.

Both sides agreed to take prompt follow-up measures to advance the proposed cooperation.