For a poverty-free Bangladesh, we need a literate nation: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked students to acquire special training on skills development on different subjects, especially on ICT, to take advantage of the immense opportunities in the job market.

"This is the digital era; you have to keep your eyes on this. If you do that, you will get more opportunities in the job market," she said on the occasion of publishing Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent exam results at her office.

Sheikh Hasina asked students to take skills development training, particularly on ICT, during their free time to be better prepared for the digital age.

"Bachelor's or master's alone won't be enough; you need special knowledge in any subject to expand job opportunities at home and abroad," the PM said.

Sheikh Hasina asked persons and authorities concerned to put more attention on research.

Without research, it would not be possible to attain knowledge on the latest developments, she said.

The PM said no country could be developed without having a literate nation. "We want a poverty-free Bangladesh. And for that we urgently need literate people."

"We have given special attention on education so that our children can cope with the continuously developing world. We are providing scope to get higher education in every district. This will ensure employment too," she said.

She said the government has set up subject-focused universities which are required to keep up with the rest of the world.

She congratulated those who have passed in the exams and their guardians.

"And those who did not manage to pass the exams, I would urge them not to be depressed. Start preparing for the next exam with determination."

Considering the pass rate for female students is higher than their male counterparts, she asked the latter to be more attentive in their studies.

Sheikh Hasina said children of the country are brilliant, and if they are given the opportunities, they can achieve anything.

Earlier, Education Minister Dipu Moni handed over the result summary to the prime minister. After that the chairmen of different education boards handed over the results of their respective boards to the PM.

The education minister, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury and Secretary of Secondary and Higher Education Division Suleman Khan also spoke at the programme.