Chief Adviser calls for education reform to foster creativity and entrepreneurship

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need for reforms in Bangladesh’s education system to cultivate creativity and encourage entrepreneurship among the country’s youth. 

He made these comments during a visit to the Education Ministry office at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Addressing the shortcomings of the current education system, Professor Yunus said, “Humans are born entrepreneurs. Yet, our education system creates job seekers. It is a flawed education system.” 

He stressed that education in Bangladesh should focus on nurturing creativity and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

“We should reform the education system in a way that it creates a generation of entrepreneurs,” he added. 

“We need education that helps students become creative individuals. Our young people must fulfill their creative potentials.”

The Chief Adviser also pointed out that the emphasis in education has traditionally been on achieving high test scores, which he believes is not enough. 

“The perception that test scores are everything must go,” he said, highlighting the need for a more well-rounded approach to learning that encourages critical thinking and innovation.

Professor Yunus also touched upon the generational divide in Bangladesh, urging the need to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations. “We must understand the language and thought process of the youth. We need to know how the older generation can share their experience with the younger generation,” he remarked.

He warned that if the gap between generations continues to widen, it could lead to misunderstandings and challenges in society. 

“The distance between young and old generations gets bigger; it will create troubles. We must minimize the idea gaps between governments,” the Chief Adviser said.

In addition, Professor Yunus stressed the importance of incorporating family values into the national curriculum to foster strong social foundations for the youth.

The Chief Adviser’s visit to the Education Ministry followed his first Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat. 

During his visit, he met with Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud and Education Secretary Siddiq Jobaer, who were present for the discussions.

The remarks were shared by the Media Wing of the Chief Adviser.