Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon has said the Islamic University (IU) will be developed into an international-standard Centre of Excellence.
Addressing the university's central orientation programme for newly admitted undergraduate students of the 2025-26 academic year virtually as the chief guest on Saturday, the minister urged students to make the best use of their formative years.
"Now is your time to build the Bangladesh of the future. Utilise this preparatory period wisely and dedicate yourselves to building a prosperous nation," he said.
Highlighting the government's commitment to education, the minister said the government led by Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman has placed the highest priority on the education sector.
He said the education budget has been increased by 2.0 per cent of GDP this year and expressed the hope that it would rise further in the coming years.
"The Prime Minister has assured that the allocation for the education sector will eventually be increased to 5.0 per cent of GDP. We must continue working to bring about a major transformation in education," he added.
Dr Milon also said the university had been envisioned as an institution of international standard since its establishment, and the government remains committed to achieving that goal.
IU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr AKM Motinur Rahman presided over the programme.
mdshakibaslam2@gmail.com