AI, robotics, technical education being added to textbooks for grades 6-10: Mahdi

Prime Minister's Education and Primary and Mass Education Adviser Mahdi Amin has said the government is bringing about major changes in the country's education system to develop world-class skilled human resources and prepare a technology-driven future generation.

"From the next academic year, modern subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, machine learning and cybersecurity are being given special priority in textbooks for grades six to ten. At the same time, technical education is being institutionally integrated with mainstream education and made compulsory for all students," he said.

He made the remarks while speaking at a plenary session of the 'Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026', organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology at Novo Theatre in the capital yesterday (12 September).

Mahdi, who is also the Prime Minister's Office spokesperson, said the government is giving the highest priority to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education to keep pace with the rapidly changing, technology-driven global landscape.

"The prime minister has given direct instructions to give equal priority to STEM education not only at the secondary and higher secondary levels but also at the tertiary level," he said.

Outlining the curriculum reforms, he said necessary changes are underway at every stage from primary to higher education to address the limitations of theoretical education and reduce the gap between book-based learning and practical application.

He said two new subjects, 'Sports' and 'Culture', will be introduced in the fourth grade at the primary level from the next academic year. 

Meanwhile, 'Learning with Happiness' will be introduced in the sixth grade to help students develop interpersonal and transferable skills needed in real life.

The adviser said technical education is currently not compulsory for all students.

However, it will be introduced in the sixth grade from the next academic year, with completion gradually becoming compulsory for students from grades six to ten in schools across the country.

"The government's objective is to integrate technical education with mainstream education, without treating it as a 'taboo', as in developed countries," he said.

Emphasising the need to link higher education with real-life demands, Mahdi Amin said work is underway to determine how technical and vocational education can be integrated into the curricula of around 2,500 institutions affiliated with the National University.

Praising the calibre of Bangladeshi youth by international standards, he said young Bangladeshis are working with distinction on the global stage and, given appropriate resources and platforms, are capable of succeeding worldwide.

The government wants to prevent 'brain drain' and turn it into 'brain circulation', he said.

In this regard, the government plans to build a strong industry-academia ecosystem by utilising endowment and CSR funds and the experience of Bangladeshi alumni, as is done at world-class universities.

It also plans to involve Bangladeshi experts working abroad in curriculum and industrial development through special fellowships.

The seminar, titled 'STEM for a Future-Ready Bangladesh: Building the Backbone of the Innovative Economy', was moderated by Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Md Anwar Hossain.

National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah, Unesco Dhaka Office Chief of Education S Kyung Ko, senior official of a leading telecommunications company Tanvir Mohammad, Independent University, Bangladesh Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr M Tamim, among others, also participated in the discussion.