In this era of rapid technological advancements where knowledge is the most sought-after asset, education and technology stand as two fundamental foundations of development that can transform the socio-economic landscape of a nation.
And in a developing country like Bangladesh, absolute excellence in education and technology can unlock immense potential for growth and sustainability.
Although we have made progress to an extent through the “Digital Bangladesh” campaign and other comparable initiatives, there is still much work to be done and parts to play.
As a start, we have to understand that absolute excellence in education and technology refers to endeavouring for best efforts to attain global competitive prominence in both the arenas.
Also important is the realization of how essential this achievement has become for Bangladesh to sustain prosperously.
To achieve globally compatible standards of education, Bangladesh needs to address several challenges, including access, quality, and relevance in a systematic and sequential manner.
Education
Firstly, access to education needs to be improved, particularly in rural and slum areas, where many children are still out of school.
This can be achieved by building more schools, improving transportation, and addressing social and cultural barriers to education.
Secondly, the quality of education needs to be improved, extensively through teachers' training, curriculum development, and assessment.
Investing in teachers' capacity building, developing a relevant and innovative curriculum, and adopting effective assessment methods that measure learning outcomes effectively would serve the purpose impactfully.
Finally, the relevance of education needs to be improved. To this end, students must develop in perfectly synchronizing accordance with the demands of the modern job market.
Such initiatives must also include promoting technical and vocational education, and providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Technology
Technology is, irrefutably, another critical pillar of development in addition to education that can transform the social and economic prospects of Bangladesh.
To secure prominence in technology, we are still yet to cut through a mount of barriers here as well, including infrastructure, research and development, and access to financing.
Power supply, internet connectivity, and transportation are the key segments of infrastructural enhancement we are yet to attain any notable advantage on.
In these crucial aspects, our collective endeavours should be rigorously directed towards taking up value-adding infrastructure development programs, promoting nation-oriented public-private partnerships, and leveraging international funding and support.
Equal significance has to be acknowledged, and also priority has to be given, to accelerating research and development initiatives.
These must be productive and inclusive of developing local technology solutions that address the needs of Bangladesh's unique context.
This can be achieved by encouraging and funding solution-oriented research and development programs, along with emphasizing more on private sector engagement.
To further widen our scope for standing upon our aspirations, access to financing needs to be improved, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises that are driving innovation and growth in the technology sector.
This can be achieved by providing more convenient access to venture capital, promoting crowdfunding platforms, and establishing technology incubators that provide support and resources to startups and entrepreneurs.
Without any space for doubt, achieving absolute excellence in education and technology is critical for the development of Bangladesh -- albeit it is a long and rough ride ahead.
However, this approach can unlock immense potential for sustainable development and serve as an effective means of tackling various critical global issues, ranging from poverty and inequality to inclusion and economic solvency.
Therefore, it is of utmost significance for Bangladesh to give precedence to allocate considerable resources towards achieving unequivocal superiority in these pivotal domains.
Nazma Sultana is Director, Information Technology at University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).