CPD proposes high-level body to modernise technical education

Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), has recommended the formation of a high-level committee to modernise and transform Bangladesh's technical education system, which is currently facing a lack of market-driven skills development.

The committee should be formed within three months and start its work within four months to prepare necessary budget allocations and policy guidelines for the next fiscal year, Debapriya proposed at a conference on the role of technical education in youth employment today (2 November). 

He said the current crisis in technical education requires a high-level committee of international standards to address them, which the technical education board or ministry alone cannot resolve.

He argued that achieving upper-middle-income status, implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category require a strong foundation in technical skills.

The conference was jointly organised by CPD and the European Union in association with the Citizens Platform for SDG Implementation, Bangladesh, and the Eco Social Development Organization (ESDO) at Krishibid Institute in Dhaka.

'Severe crisis' in tech edu

Towfiqul Islam Khan, senior research fellow at CPD, presented a report at the event, highlighting major obstacles within technical education institutions in the country.

Spending Tk3,000 crore on 300 new centres without addressing the shortage of quality instructors and up-to-date curricula is unlikely to yield effective results.

Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow at CPD

The report pointed out that technical and vocational education is facing a severe crisis due to outdated curricula, a lack of skilled trainers, insufficient resources, and an absence of market-driven training. 

It noted that many institutions lack essential equipment like sewing machines, which, even when available, are often left unused and fall into disuse over time. 

Besides, laboratories are insufficient in number and poorly managed, with minimal enforcement of attendance requirements, leading to low classroom engagement.

A survey conducted among graduates showed that while 59% rated the quality of education as "good", only 13% felt it met their expectations, according to Khan. 

The survey also found that 63% of former students earn below Tk10,000 a month. Due to a mismatch between acquired skills and market demands, many certificate holders are forced to work at unpaid internships before securing paid employment.

The survey findings also revealed that among the 55 courses offered at technical training centres, 46 are language courses, but graduates from these programmes are often unable to secure overseas employment. 

The study further showed that 69.41% of technical institutions lack internet access, and nearly 24% lack computer labs. 

The survey focused on institutions in Sunamganj, Panchagarh, and Satkhira districts, added Khan. 

82% shortfall in teaching positions

Md Maksudur Rahman, director at Directorate of Technical Education, mentioned that only 18% of the required teaching positions are currently filled, leaving an 82% shortfall. 

"It is challenging to conduct educational activities under these circumstances," he said, adding that efforts are underway to recruit teachers through the Public Service Commission (PSC). 

To strengthen the training infrastructure, the government is planning to construct 300 new training centres in various districts, he said.

However, Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow at CPD, raised concerns about this investment strategy. "Spending Tk3,000 crore on 300 new centres without addressing the shortage of quality instructors and up-to-date curricula is unlikely to yield effective results." 

He said it is important to align technical curricula with industry needs to leverage Bangladesh's demographic dividend and proposed retraining programmes for trainers.

Mustafizur Rahman noted that the nature of employment will transform over the next 15 years, necessitating training programmes that prepare graduates for future market demands. 

To boost competitiveness after the LDC graduation, skilled human resources will be crucial, he said, suggesting public-private partnerships in training initiatives to meet these goals.

Md Rakib Ullah, chairman of the Bangladesh Technical Education Board, underscored the need to increase the number of skilled instructors and develop training courses based on local demand. 

Currently, he explained, there is a lack of coordination, as courses like refrigeration and air conditioning are fully booked in Dhaka, while seats remain vacant in Barishal.

Pvt sector in workforce development 

Md Ruhul Amin, secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, said the government is working to streamline the overseas migration process by reducing procedural steps and regulating intermediaries involved in overseas employment.

He added, "If private enterprises specify their requirements for skilled labour, training institutions can adjust accordingly, increasing both the quality and supply of skilled personnel."

The secretary further announced plans to reassess certain courses to align with growing opportunities in foreign employment markets.

Amin Chowdhury, former president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), advocated private sector investment in workforce development. 

"If private businesses invest in skill development and clearly articulate their needs, technical training centres can tailor their programmes accordingly," he stated. 

He added that training should continue until trainees are able to secure employment.