Published: 11:28 PM, 19 April 2026
Milon urges US to simplify student visa
Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has urged the US government to further simplify the process of student visa for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education. He made this request when US Special Envoy for Best Future Generations Charles J. Harder paid a courtesy call on him at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Sunday.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen accompanied Harder in the meeting while State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Prime Minister's Adviser on education Mahdi Amin and Primary and Mass Education Secretary Abu Taher Md Masud Rana were present, reports BSS. Issues of mutual interest, particularly improving the quality of education and strengthening bilateral cooperation, were discussed in the meeting.
Harder said the US government is working in Bangladesh, as it does globally, to address major issues such as child marriage, child abuse, and malnutrition.
He also expressed commitment to further expanding cooperation in Bangladesh in areas such as school meal programmes, child healthcare, and other social sectors in the future.
Milon said the current government has undertaken extensive plans to improve the quality of education as special emphasis is being placed on enhancing technical education and making learning more enjoyable.
As part of this, initiatives have been taken to introduce mid-day meals nationwide, provide uniforms to students, increase the use of technology, and ensure playground facilities in schools, he added.
The minister also noted that plans have been taken to appoint sports and agriculture teachers in every school to support students' physical and mental development.
He further called on the United States to expand training support to improve English language education in Bangladesh.
US envoy Harder highly praised the steps taken by the Bangladesh government in various sectors, including social services, education, and healthcare.
Both sides expressed optimism that educational and cultural ties between the two countries will be further strengthened in the future.
