She made these remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the 14th International Education Expo, organized by the Foreign Admission and Career Consultants Association of Bangladesh (FAD-CAB) in the capital on Friday (August 7).
Shama Obaed said that many individuals currently serving in policy-making positions of the government have received higher education abroad and are contributing to the country's development as experts in their respective fields. The government wants students to study abroad, but also wants them to return home with that knowledge and experience to play a role in the economy, investment, and employment sectors.
She stated that the government aims to utilize the knowledge, skills, and experience of young people who pursue higher education abroad for national development. To this end, initiatives have been taken to create a safe, investment-friendly, and employment-oriented environment in Bangladesh so that after completing their studies abroad, young people can return and emerge as entrepreneurs, directly contributing to nation-building.
Shama Obaed further said that education is no longer just a matter of personal development; it is also an important tool of diplomacy. She informed that Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to strengthen education and research-based partnerships with various countries. At the same time, the ministry is playing a role in increasing academic collaboration between domestic educational institutions and international universities.
She added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will enhance coordination with institutions and organizations related to higher education abroad. The government will cooperate in making ongoing activities more transparent, accountable, and effective for the benefit of students.
