DHAKA: Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid Monday said the government would set up 25 more polytechnic institutions, including two for women, across the country.

“The government has given importance to grooming the young generation as skilled and active. Several long-term initiatives have been taken in this regard,” said the minister.         

He made the announcement at the inaugural ceremony of a 3-day regional conference on skill development in a city hotel.

He also informed that the government has already formulated a draft national skill development policy.

He said, “We have set a target to increase the number of students from 6.5 to 20 percent in vocational education in secondary level by 2020.”

Besides, vocational education has been given a special importance in the new education policy.

He sought assistance of domestic and international quarters concerned to supplement the government efforts.

Shah Md Abu Jafar, Chairperson of National Consultative Committee for Workers’ Education, Professor Dr Michel Karton, Coordinator of Norag, and Dr Urs Heren, Ambassador of Switzerland, were also present at the conference.

BDST: 1450 HRS, SEPT 20, 2010