Prime Minister’s Adviser and spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office Mahdi Amin has called for education to be developed as one of the key drivers of people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and China.

He made the call while speaking as a special guest at a high-level discussion titled “China-Bangladesh Education Cooperation” held in Beijing during his visit at the invitation of the Chinese government.

Mahdi Amin said, “The historical and deep friendship between Bangladesh and China began under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Later, during the tenure of former Prime Minister and Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia, the relationship became stronger and reached new heights. The current government is also giving special priority to diplomatic and trade relations with China.”

He said a key commitment of the democratic government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is to bring extensive reforms to the education system in line with the election manifesto. To achieve this goal, the government plans to make technical and vocational education a priority and compulsory, while also introducing third-language education, including Mandarin, to make young people more competitive in the international labour market.

Highlighting plans to make education more universal and employment-oriented, the Prime Minister’s adviser said Bangladesh wants to draw on the experience of China’s leading polytechnic and technical education institutions to expand scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students, undertake joint research projects and ensure access to modern laboratory facilities.

Calling on Chinese universities and industries to invest in Bangladesh, Mahdi Amin said, “Regular exchanges of teachers, researchers and students between the two countries must be increased. At the same time, close cooperation is needed to ensure the welfare of Bangladeshi students currently studying in China.”

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan attended the programme as the chief guest. Secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division Mohammad Daud Mia, senior representatives of leading Chinese universities and educational institutions, and officials of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh were also present.

The joint international service centre titled “China-Bangladesh Industrial and Educational Integration International Service Centre” was also formally inaugurated at the discussion.