The government plans to introduce two new subjects each in Class IV and Class VI from the next academic year as part of efforts to build a more holistic and skills-oriented education system, Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin said on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference at the Education Ministry’s conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat, he said the initiative aims to transform the country’s education system from a certificate-focused model into one that nurtures values, creativity and employable skills.
Under the proposed plan, ‘Sports’ and ‘Culture’ will be introduced in Class IV at the primary level, while ‘Learning with Happiness’ and ‘Technical and Vocational Education’ will be added to the Class VI curriculum.
Mahdi Amin said the government has prepared an extensive action plan to reshape education so that it promotes moral values, social responsibility, creativity, sportsmanship, cultural awareness and practical skills alongside academic learning.
He said the incumbent government’s goal is to ensure equity, fairness and equal opportunities for all learners, while reducing disparities between urban and rural education standards.
“We are working to reduce the gap between urban and rural education and ensure quality learning opportunities for every child,” the adviser said.
Emphasising a broader vision beyond examinations and certificates, he stressed the importance of instilling civic sense, ethics, discipline, family values and social responsibility among students.
The education adviser also highlighted the importance of co-curricular activities, including Girls’ Guides, Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) and Rover Scouts, saying these should be further strengthened across schools, colleges and universities.
He said a wide range of programmes including sports, cultural events, debates, science fairs, entrepreneurship initiatives, innovation projects and competitions are being organised nationwide to enhance students’ creativity and leadership skills.
“The primary objective of these initiatives is to develop teamwork, leadership, discipline, communication and career-oriented abilities among students,” he added.
Mahdi Amin further stressed the gradual establishment of laboratories from Class VIII onwards to support technical and vocational education.
He said opportunities for internships, apprenticeships and hands-on learning would also be expanded to make education more practical and aligned with real-world needs, better preparing students for future careers.
