Congratulations are in order for all HSC exam takers in Bangladesh -- those who have secured fantastic results and also those who may not have received the results they desired, but have nonetheless started their journey to become part of the educated future of Bangladesh who will shape this country.
However, with positive numbers coming in, of over 85% pass total -- 87.48% of girls and 84.53% of boys passed the examinations from all education boards -- it is important to remember the role of education for any nation, especially one such as Bangladesh which harbours such economic ambitions.
As Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself pointed out recently, it is in going beyond merely degrees and acquiring special training on skills development on different subjects, especially on ICT, that will be crucial for the new generation.
While there is no scope for developing nations such as Bangladesh to rest on its laurels with the exponential changes technology continues to bring, and the future generation must of course recognize this as well and set about becoming future-ready, the onus also falls on the authorities concerned and the relevant stakeholders involved with education in our country to also recognize this need -- and do something about it.
We have been hearing of education reform for a while now, and it is heartening to see the gradual changes being brought about in the national curriculum that is finally addressing the needs as it pertains to the future of this country.
However, while patience must be exercised, we also don't have too much time -- 2041 is much closer than it appears, and we are very far away from our ultimate goal of becoming a prosperous, equitable nation. Our education needs to catch up to our ambitions for us to have a chance at succeeding.
