No Alternative to STEM Education

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said there is no alternative to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for Bangladesh's future. He said a play-based learning environment must be ensured from the primary level to build a foundation for scientific practice and innovative thinking among students.

He made these remarks as chief guest on Monday, July 13, at the launch ceremony of the "Sustaining, Play, Learning and Skills in Humanitarian Contexts (SPLASH)" program, organized by BRAC and the LEGO Foundation at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

Aiming to replace math anxiety with scientific curiosity as the hallmark of the future generation, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj announced the introduction of STEM-based, play-oriented learning from the primary level. He said education would be the biggest investment in realizing the prime minister's vision, with quality primary education at its core.

The state minister said only about 20 percent of students at the higher secondary level in the country currently study in the science stream, which is not sufficient to build a knowledge-based and technology-driven nation. He said students must be encouraged to take interest in STEM subjects from the primary level so that they can confidently choose science-based education in the future.

He further said the government is closely observing play-based learning initiatives implemented by BRAC, LEGO, and other development partners. Based on an evaluation of successful models from these programs, the government is considering introducing play labs and STEM labs in government primary schools, with plans to initially implement pilot projects in a few hundred schools.

He said the government is working to establish a uniform minimum education standard for all types of institutions, not just government schools, but also Bangla-medium, English-medium, and madrasa education. A national benchmark will be set for teachers, curriculum, infrastructure, and overall education quality.

He added that students' learning outcomes in language, mathematics, and English at the primary level have not yet reached the desired standard. To address this, the government is placing the highest priority on education reform, a modernized curriculum, technology-driven education, play-based learning, and STEM-based education.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, representatives from various non-governmental organizations including BRAC, and members of the media.
//DBTech/MTM/SMI//