Preparing the Next Generation for a Technology-Driven Bangladesh Is the Government's Goal

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced plans to introduce technical education from the sixth grade, incorporate various sports into the national curriculum, and teach a third language, including English and other international languages, as part of the government's broader strategy to equip students with future-ready skills.

He said the government has long been working on a comprehensive plan to develop students' competencies, with the ultimate goal of preparing the next generation to build a technology-driven Bangladesh through leadership, innovation, and skills.

The Prime Minister made the remarks on Monday while inaugurating the national phase of the Tree Plantation Programme for Secondary Educational Institutions and the Startup, Science Project and Innovative Ideas Exhibition at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

He said sports, culture, innovation, and technical skills would be given equal importance in the country's education system. Plans are underway to introduce technical education from the sixth grade. At the same time, initiatives will be taken to teach English, along with several other international languages, as a third language. According to the Prime Minister, these measures will enhance students' future skills and improve their employability.

During the event, the Prime Minister formally launched the "One Child, One Tree" campaign. He said more than 29,600 secondary schools across the country simultaneously planted three saplings each, resulting in the plantation of nearly 90,000 trees in a single day.

He urged every student to plant at least one tree each year and stressed the importance of environmental conservation, cleanliness, and responsible citizenship.

"A clean environment and a greener Bangladesh create a favorable atmosphere for innovation and creativity," he said, adding that students must develop not only academically but also in terms of social responsibility and human values.

The Prime Minister also visited the students' science projects, startup initiatives, and innovative exhibits. Praising the creativity of the participants, he assured them that the government would continue to support such initiatives.

Among those present at the event were Dr. Zubaida Rahman, spouse of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman; Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan; Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A K M Shamsul Islam; Education Adviser Mahdi Amin; Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar; Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Saleh Shibly; Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman; as well as students and teachers from schools and colleges across the country.

The event was chaired by Abdul Khaleque, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education. The welcome address was delivered by Professor Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE).

Highlighting the government's long-term plans for the development of the education and technical sectors, Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon said:

"The Prime Minister places the highest priority on technical education. In line with this vision, Tk 180 billion has been allocated to the technical education sector this year. He understands that if we are to build a developed and prosperous nation, we must transform our educated population into a skilled and productive workforce."

Recalling the challenges that had affected the education sector in previous years, he said:

"The stagnation, mismanagement, and misuse of funds that plagued the education sector in the past are now being addressed through the current government's far-sighted initiatives. Thanks to the Prime Minister's commitment, Tk 1.36 trillion has been allocated to education based on the sector's actual needs. Various development projects are being implemented to improve the quality of education, and the present generation of students will benefit from these initiatives."

Calling on teachers and all stakeholders to continue supporting the country's technological transformation, the Education Minister told students:

"The way Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was amazed and deeply impressed by the talents and projects of our young scientists was truly beyond imagination."

Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Education, Primary and Mass Education, said the Prime Minister envisions an education system in which culture, sports, and platforms for nurturing hidden talents are integral parts of the curriculum.

"We want an education system where students are encouraged to pursue the subjects they enjoy and the careers they aspire to. The government will stand beside every student with its fullest support and sincerity. The Prime Minister wants an education system that builds skills, competence, entrepreneurial capacity, human values, and family values among our students," he said.

The Startup, Science Project and Innovative Ideas Exhibition, which began on June 12, was held in three phases—upazila, district, and national levels. Winners from the national competition received awards during the ceremony.

St. Joseph Higher Secondary School of Dhaka emerged as the champion team. Each member of the winning student team received a Tk 20,000 cheque, a medal, and a certificate, while the winning teachers received Tk 30,000 cheques and certificates.

Before the prize-giving ceremony, members of the top 10 winning teams at the national level came onto the stage and shared their experiences directly with the Prime Minister.

A student from a remote hilly area of Khagrachhari said:

"Coming from a remote hill region and standing on this national stage today feels like a dream. This event has proven that immense talent exists even in the country's most marginalized areas."

The youngest participant at the event, a seventh-grade student from Chattogram, thanked the Prime Minister and said:

"By coming here, I have seen how remarkable the innovations of our young scientists can be. We are the generation that will take Bangladesh to the world stage."

A student from a madrasa in Patuakhali, Barishal, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for providing equal opportunities to develop students' talents.

"Madrasa students can also make significant contributions to the country's development through scientific research and innovation if they receive proper guidance and support," the student said.