Army chief calls for integrating modern, Islamic education

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Monday called for integrating modern and Islamic education, saying the divide between the two limits students’ ability to contribute effectively to society.

Speaking while inaugurating the Army International Islamic Institute (AIII) at the Jolshiri Abashon Project in Dhaka, he said reforming the education system was essential to building a stronger nation in the future.

“If we fix the education system today, the society and nation we will have 30 years from now will certainly be stronger,” the Army chief said.

According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Waker said modern education does not incorporate Islamic education, while Islamic education also lacks elements of modern learning.  As a result, students receiving Islamic education often face limitations in playing a broader role in society, he added.

During the ceremony, the Army chief also unveiled the foundation stones of upcoming AIII branches in Barishal, Savar, Bogura, Sylhet, Chattogram, Cumilla and Jashore through video teleconference (VTC).

The ISPR said the Bangladesh Army has been contributing to the country’s education sector and human resource development by operating quality educational institutions since its establishment.

It said the AIII has been established by combining the Cambridge curriculum-based English-medium education with value-based learning to develop students with knowledge, morality, leadership skills and strong human values.

The institute aims to provide quality education while nurturing moral and religious values, helping students become disciplined, patriotic and compassionate citizens guided by the Quran and Sunnah.

The initiative is also expected to produce responsible leaders capable of contributing at both national and global levels, the ISPR added.

Principal Staff Officers at Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding of different divisions, senior military officials, representatives of the institute, teachers, students, guardians and members of the media attended the inauguration.