Language Skills Key to Building Scientists, Doctors and Engineers

Dhaka, September 9, Wednesday: Scientists, doctors and engineers are developed through the education system. Therefore, students must be given opportunities to acquire the language skills needed to connect with global knowledge, particularly the vast body of scientific and technological knowledge available in English, said State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Babi Hajjaj.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the “Bangladesh TMTE (Training of Master Trainers in English) Members Conference 2026” held at Dhaka PTI today.

The state minister said, “Professional expertise is extremely important for a scientist, doctor or engineer. However, scientists, doctors and engineers are developed through the education system. Therefore, students must be given opportunities to acquire the necessary language skills to connect with global knowledge. In particular, access to the vast scientific and technological knowledge preserved in English must be ensured.”

Babi Hajjaj said listening and speaking skills would be specifically incorporated into the new primary curriculum. Alongside reading and writing, the curriculum will include necessary exercises and activities to develop students’ ability to understand what they hear, speak correctly and express their thoughts.

He said the four fundamental language skills—listening, speaking, reading and writing—must receive equal importance. Greater emphasis, however, should be placed on developing listening skills at the primary level, as listening and practice are crucial to language learning.

The state minister said simply increasing the literacy rate would not be enough to create an educated society. Bangladesh needs an education system where students can acquire knowledge, apply it and obtain necessary information from global knowledge resources.

Babi Hajjaj further said, in line with Prime Minister Tarek Rahman’s directive, education must be a right for everyone and must reach everyone’s doorstep. At the same time, education must be skills-based, career-oriented and grounded in ethics. Language education should therefore be treated as an important component of the education system.

He said textbook-based teaching alone was not sufficient in primary education. Teachers should provide specific proposals on how videos, workbooks, digital content, games and other modern learning tools can be used effectively in teaching students.

Babi Hajjaj said, “We want change. But that change must be specific, realistic and result-oriented. Tell us clearly what you want; we will discuss the necessary changes and take initiatives to implement them.”

The event was chaired by Riaz Parvez, chief coordinator of TMTE Bangladesh. Farid Ahmed, director general of the National Academy for Primary Education (NAPE); Md. Abdur Rahim, additional director general of the Directorate of Primary Education; and Maria Rehman, deputy director of the British Council in Bangladesh, attended as special guests.

Members of TMTE Bangladesh, along with relevant officials and representatives, were also present.
//DBTech/MTM/SME/FOEH//