Sustainable Change in Education System Requires Time: Bobby Hajjaj

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has said the government is working to bring major changes to the country’s education system within the next four and a half years. He made the remarks at a UNICEF-organized event at Hotel Sheraton in the capital on Sunday. He said sustainable change in education could not be achieved within a few months and required proper planning, data-driven decisions and consultation with all stakeholders.

Bobby Hajjaj stressed the need to address weaknesses in foundational learning, saying many students fail to acquire basic Bangla and reading skills appropriate for their grade. The government is therefore focusing on remedial education for students who have fallen behind. He said initiatives were also being taken to bring out-of-school children into education, including a pilot project to provide free school uniforms.

Regarding the mid-day meal programme, he said problems identified during the first phase were being addressed and that the success of a pilot project should also be measured by the problems it identifies and resolves. He said a technology-based system was being developed to monitor students’ individual learning progress.

The state minister also outlined plans to strengthen STEM education, including introducing math labs and science and design-based activities at primary schools to develop students’ critical thinking and practical skills. He stressed improving teachers’ skills and strengthening administrative and monitoring systems.

Bobby Hajjaj said the government would reorganize PEDP-5 activities to make them more effective and operational. He also emphasized involving parents, local communities, educational institutions and relevant organizations in improving the education system. He said the government aims to bring major changes through data-dependent and evidence-based approaches with cooperation from all stakeholders.