Education Adviser C R Abrar has emphasized the importance of improving the quality of higher education, saying that the government is working to create an international standard environment for education and research through the Access to Global Knowledge programme.

He was speaking at a programme held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Sunday, marking World Teachers’ Day 2025.

The process of digitalization is ongoing at every level of our education system,” Abrar said, adding that initiatives such as online transfers, e-filing, teacher training and the introduction of educational technology (EdTech) are helping to continuously enhance education quality.

At the event, 12 distinguished teachers were honoured for their contributions to education. This year’s theme for World Teachers’ Day is “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”

To keep pace with the world, we are focusing on life skills, language learning and professional development. Our goal is to prepare students not only for exams but for life itself,” the adviser said.

He noted that the process of developing accurate and high-quality textbooks has already started, while formulation of the NCTB’s (National Curriculum and Textbook Board) regulations is underway.

To bring the University Grants Commission (UGC) to global standards, stakeholder consultations and a transparent recruitment process have been introduced, he added.

Based on recommendations from various education commissions, white papers and task force reports, effective implementation measures have been initiated. We have adopted a policy against exaggerated exam results and introduced scholarship examinations to identify true merit,” Abrar said.

He also mentioned that the process of bringing new institutions under the MPO (Monthly Pay Order) scheme is in progress, while the BANBEIS platform has opened up opportunities for advanced research.

The adviser further said that steps have been taken to appoint head teachers and principals through the NTRC to ensure leadership based on merit.

He highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve teachers’ promotion opportunities, increase their dignity and housing allowances, and introduce financial incentives for MPO-listed teachers.

Underscoring the government’s firm stance against corruption, irregularities and unnecessary institution building, Abrar said, “The Ministry of Education has initiated the publication of a white paper on these irregularities, which is currently being prepared under the leadership of the Technical Secretary.”

The event was attended by Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, Adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, as special guest; Professor Dr S M A Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission; Dr Susan Vize, Head of the UNESCO Dhaka Office; and Dr Salim M. Almalik, Director-General of ICESCO, as honoured guests.