Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Wednesday stressed the need to expand technology-based and skills-oriented education from primary to higher education and train students in artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technologies.

The education system needs qualitative and timely changes, he said while speaking as the chief guest at a fresher reception organised by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), Jagannath University unit.

Urging students to set clear goals and make proper use of their knowledge, merit and skills, he said, “University education should not remain confined to academic learning. It should be made practical and aligned with skills development, innovation and employment.”

Stressing stronger links between educational institutions and industries, the minister said Bangladesh’s large young population was an important human resource and that proper education and skills development could enable them to contribute to socio-economic development and compete globally.

Addressing the freshmen, Milon urged them to develop themselves through discipline, patriotism, merit and hard work and participate in co-curricular activities.

Among others, JnU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rais Uddin, Treasurer Prof Dr Sabina Sharmeen, Madaripur-3 lawmaker Anisur Rahman Talukdar Khokon, Dhaka University Dean of the Faculty of Science Prof Dr Md Mofazzal Hossain, Jahangirnagar University Prof of Bangla Dr Shamima Sultana and JCD central committee President Md Rakibul Islam Rakib attended the programme.

According to the organisers, around 2,100 students of the 2025-26 academic session, the university’s 21st batch, were welcomed at the event.

Various prizes, including bags, mugs and books, were distributed among the freshmen, while a concert was scheduled for the afternoon.