He made this call on Tuesday (June 30) as the chief guest at the 'Award for Best Institution Heads and Outstanding Students' ceremony for Fazil and Kamil levels under the Islamic Arabic University, held at the International Mother Language Institute in the capital.
The Education Minister said the main goal of Islamic education is to build people with values. To make this sector timely and internationally standard, there is no alternative to research, skilled teachers, and a modern curriculum.
He said madrasa education cannot be kept confined within the traditional framework. This education system must be developed in such a way that its students can acquire the ability to lead at the national and international levels. In this regard, he called upon the Islamic Arabic University to play a research-oriented and planned role.
The Minister further said that in the past, there were various limitations in the administrative structure and management of madrasa education. Considering that reality, the government has taken initiatives to make the education system more integrated and effective. Importance is also being given to more firmly linking Fazil and Kamil education with mainstream higher education.
Emphasizing the necessity of moral and value-based education, he said the demand for such education in the country's education system has increased in the present time. Islamic education can play an important role in this regard. However, this requires skilled teachers, a modern education system, and a practical curriculum.
Referring to the teacher shortage in the madrasa sector, the Education Minister said many institutions do not have the required number of teachers. Recruiting teachers skilled in Islamic education, in particular, is a major challenge. To solve this problem, the concerned institutions must play a more active role in curriculum development and improving the quality of education.
He informed that the salary-related complications of some newly recruited madrasa teachers are under the government's notice and initiatives have been taken to resolve them quickly. Additionally, through the introduction of Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), the salary payment system will be made easier, more transparent, and more effective.
Addressing the students, he said they must make themselves capable not just by obtaining certificates but by acquiring knowledge, research, and skills. Students of Islamic education must also develop the ability to contribute to various important sectors of the country. Initiatives will continue to further involve Fazil and Kamil students with higher education, BCS, and various national-level opportunities.
The ceremony was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of Islamic Arabic University, Professor Dr. Mohammad Abu Jafar Khan. Special guests present included Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division Abdul Khaleq and Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) Professor Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel.
Additionally, the university's Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Dr. Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Dr. Mohammad Ilyas Siddiqui, Treasurer Shahinul Islam, vice-chancellors of various universities, principals, teachers, and students from various educational institutions across the country were present at the event.
