Technical Education role vital to build smart Bangladesh

 Vocational Education to Build a Smart Bangladesh

Embarking on the journey of education, a student brings with them numerous dreams and aspirations. In their eyes, there is the dream of bringing a smile to their parents' faces and the desire to create a small, beautiful family. The anticipation of building a happy life with parents, siblings, a spouse, and children becomes a cherished dream. However, when a student receives their final certificate in the course of their educational journey, they may not foresee the societal realities awaiting them.

Upon entering the job market, the student finds that the quest for employment is a competition among thousands of hopefuls for each job opportunity. Although some manage to fulfill their aspirations, many face extreme disappointment. The relentless pursuit of jobs often leads to a point where the age limit for employment is reached, and the realization sets in that their career has come to an end.

In such moments of extreme despair, some individuals choose unconventional paths to earn a living. The consequences may include engaging in unethical practices or falling into the trap of addiction. Some may resort to desperate measures, such as taking their own lives, as a way to escape the shame and humiliation.

Recognizing the dire need to address the unemployment crisis and alleviate the suffering caused by joblessness, the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken visionary steps. She has emphasized that there is no alternative to vocational education for sustaining the country's economic growth. Thus, vocational education has been prioritized in the national education budget.

Efforts are being made to enhance the skills of all teachers in vocational institutions, both within the country and abroad. The recruitment of new and skilled teachers is underway, and workshops at every vocational institution are being equipped with modern machinery. The curriculum and syllabus have been updated to align with the needs of industries, ensuring that students can skill themselves according to the demands of the job market.

Consequently, a student who undergoes vocational education is not destined to remain unemployed. Rather, they can either work in an industry using their acquired skills or even become an entrepreneur, charting their own path in the business arena.