Investment in Education maximizes returns

Abstract

In this article, Prof. Dr. M. Azizur Rahman argues that human capital is the most valuable asset of a nation and that investment in education provides the highest "Return on Investment" (ROI) compared to any other sector. Drawing from his perspective as an economist and educator, the author posits that the quality of human resources determines the pace of industrialization and the efficiency of national governance. He specifically advocates for a shift from traditional, general education toward job-oriented professional and vocational training. This shift is presented as a prerequisite for Bangladesh to transition from a labor-surplus economy to a skill-based economy. The article concludes that while physical infrastructure (like roads and bridges) is necessary, it is the intellectual infrastructure—created through sustained educational investment that ensures long-term poverty alleviation and global competitiveness.