Professor CR Abrar, Education Advisor to the interim government, has said that it is necessary to incorporate elements of modern education along with religious education to make madrasa education relevant and practical. He made this call as the chief guest at a program organized to mark the 246th founding anniversary of the Government Madrasa-e-Alia in the capital on Wednesday (October 1).

Professor Abrar said that religious education will definitely remain the centerpiece of madrasa education. However, to increase the work efficiency and competitiveness of students, elements of modern science, technology and work-oriented education must be added. He further mentioned that logic, astronomy, scientific practice and religious studies were together in the tradition of madrasa education. Now it is time to revive that trend and start a new path with modernity.

He said that the Ministry of Education has already undertaken several projects to modernize madrasas. He also assured of quick resolution of various problems including teacher shortage, infrastructural limitations, student accommodation problems, clean water and transportation shortages.

Professor Abrar emphasized on the participation of alumni and said that if former students come forward, the development of the institution will be further accelerated. Along with the state, society should also contribute to the progress of these traditional educational institutions.

Religious Affairs Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain and Technical and Madrasa Education Department Secretary Muhammad Rafiqul Islam were present as special guests at the program presided over by Professor Mohammad Obaidul Haque, Principal of Government Alia Madrasa.

Madrasa-e-Alia, established in 1780, is one of the oldest educational institutions in Bangladesh. With a tradition of 246 years, the institution continues to play an important role in the country's education system to this day.