UK envoy shows interest in Madrasa system, suggests some changes

The envoy showed his interest to State Minister for Education ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon when a delegation, led by the envoy, called on the minister at his office yesterday.

The state minister informed the delegation about various steps taken by the government for upgrading Madrasa education suiting the needs of the new era.

He also informed the envoy that the government introduced vocational course in 100 Dakhil Madrasas and the number is being increased gradually.

"Inclusion of vocational course has been made a condition for opening new Madrasas," he said, adding that curricula of Madrasa education has also been modernised.

Milon said an initiative has been taken to introduce a common curricula for general education and Madrasa education.

"Enrolment of females in Madrasa is hopefully being increased as the government created a peaceful atmosphere," he said.

The envoy requested the minister to consider whether Islamic history, tradition, culture and fine arts can be incorporated into Madrasa syllabus.

In reply, the state minister said that arrangement would be made in this regard "soon".

During the meeting, the Bangladesh-born British envoy said that Muslim leaders of Britain along with Muslim leaders of other countries are interested to work together on matters of creating "Islamic values, unity and brotherhood".

He also termed the Muslims of Bangladesh religious-minded and progressive, expressing his hope that this situation of Bangladesh would continue in the future.

The delegation members included different professionals from Britain.