Photo: Collected
Dhaka, 11 November 2026 (BSS): State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has stressed that primary education should not be confined to textbooks and exams, but should suit the development of children’s natural curiosity, creativity and analytical thinking.
He said that at a time when the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital devices is growing, ensuring children’s critical thinking is essential. For this, the government is working on integrated application of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and creating an environment of joyful learning from the primary level.
The state minister said this while speaking as chief guest at a views-exchange meeting at the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation building in Agargaon in the capital today.
The meeting, titled ‘STEM education at the primary level: prospects, challenges and future thinking’, was jointly organised by the Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) and Netz Bangladesh.
Bobby Hajjaj said that with the development of artificial intelligence, the demand for skills in the future job market will change a lot. So, to prepare the next generation, problem-solving skills and the ability to analyse information and make the right decisions must be built from the primary level.
On teachers’ pay, the state minister said that to attract the most talented and qualified people to teaching, proper respect, dignity and financial benefits for teachers must be ensured.
He said work has begun on designing more than 420 learning-based games for students from class one to five so that children come to school with joy. Through these, learning Bangla, mathematics and science will be made easier and more attractive.
There is also a plan to use learning toys made from local materials in line with the curriculum, which the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) is working to implement.
Speaking as special guests at the meeting were Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Shahina Ferdousi, Director General of the National Academy for Primary Education (NAPE) Farid Ahmed, NCTB Member (Primary) Professor Md Nurunnabi Alam and Netz Bangladesh Country Director Shahidul Islam.
CAMPE Executive Director Rasheda K Choudhury presided over the meeting. The meeting called for strengthening joint partnership of government and non-government organisations to ensure quality and inclusive STEM education for all children.
Background
According to an Ittefaq report of 9 August 2026, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj had said that day too that ‘science toys’, or science-related play materials, would be added under the curriculum to make primary students science-minded and creative.
Sources
Original report: BSS
Background sources: Ittefaq, 9 August 2026
