Bangladesh’s innovation problem begins in the classroom

Rote learning has shaped classrooms in Bangladesh for decades. Anyone who has gone through the school system knows how common it is to memorise pages of notes the night before an exam. I remember sitting in crowded coaching centres where students recited answers like chants. It felt efficient at the time, but later you realise how little of it stays with you. 

This style of learning rewards repetition, not understanding. It produces students who can pass exams but struggle to solve new problems. It also limits curiosity. When children grow up thinking there is only one correct answer, they hesitate to explore ideas. They fear mistakes. In a world driven by innovation, this becomes a serious barrier.

Bangladesh's position in the Global Innovation Index shows the impact of this mindset. In 2026, Bangladesh ranked 105th among 139 economies. The country also ranked 115th in innovation inputs and 92nd in innovation outputs, which means we produce some results but lack the foundation needed to sustain innovation. 

In 2024, the ranking was 106th among 133 economies, with similar weaknesses in human capital and research. These numbers are not just statistics. They reflect the everyday reality of classrooms, universities, and workplaces. When students are trained to memorise instead of think, they enter the workforce with limited problem‑solving skills. Companies struggle to innovate. Research output remains low. Patent filings stay weak. Venture capital deals drop. All of this shows up in the index and affects the ranking.

A creative-thinking education system looks very different. In such classrooms, students ask questions. They build things. They work in teams. They learn by doing. I have seen this in some private schools in Dhaka where children design small science projects or run mock businesses. The energy in those rooms feels different. Students are not afraid to experiment. They learn to connect ideas. They learn to fail and try again. This is the kind of mindset that drives innovation.

To bring Bangladesh into the top 50 in the Global Innovation Index within the next 10 years, the country must rethink its entire education pipeline. The first step is to redesign school curricula. Textbooks should encourage exploration. 

Instead of asking students to memorise definitions, teachers should ask them to apply concepts to real situations. For example, instead of teaching physics formulas in isolation, students could build simple machines using local materials. This makes learning more meaningful. It also builds confidence.

Countries that perform well in the Innovation Index usually have strong support systems for startups. Bangladesh needs something similar. The government can introduce tax incentives for companies that invest in research. It can also create national innovation grants for young entrepreneurs.

Teacher training is equally important. Many teachers themselves grew up in a rote-learning environment. They need support to adopt new methods. Workshops, peer learning groups, and digital training platforms can help. When teachers feel comfortable with creative teaching, students will benefit immediately.

Assessment reform is another major step. As long as exams reward memorisation, students will continue to memorise. Bangladesh needs exams that test reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving. Some universities have started using project-based assessments, but this needs to spread nationwide. Even the public exam system can introduce small changes, such as open-ended questions or real-life case studies.

Higher education must also change. Bangladesh's score in human capital and research is low compared to regional averages. Universities should invest in research labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with industry. Students should work on real problems faced by companies or communities. This builds practical skills and strengthens the link between academia and industry.

R&D investment is crucial. The number of venture capital deals in Bangladesh has dropped sharply in recent years. Without funding, innovators cannot grow. The government can introduce tax incentives for companies that invest in research. It can also create national innovation grants for young entrepreneurs. Countries that perform well in the Innovation Index usually have strong support systems for startups. Bangladesh needs something similar.

Policy reform by the government must be bold. The government should simplify regulations for new businesses. It should make it easier to register patents. It should focus on digital infrastructure. In 2024, Bangladesh had only 31 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 citizens. This limits digital creativity. Expanding broadband and 5G access will help students and entrepreneurs work faster and smarter.

Industry also has a role. Companies should invest in employee training. They should encourage experimentation instead of punishing failure. When workers feel safe to try new ideas, innovation grows naturally. I have seen small tech firms in Dhaka adopt this culture, and the results are impressive. Their teams come up with fresh solutions because they are not stuck in rigid hierarchies.

Academia must collaborate more with industry. Joint research projects, internships, and innovation challenges can help students gain real-world experience. This also helps companies discover young talent. Countries that have strong university–industry partnerships excel in innovation very often.

Finally, society must shift its mindset. Parents often push children towards safe careers and predictable paths. But innovation requires risk-taking. It requires imagination. If families encourage curiosity from childhood, students grow up with a stronger creative foundation.

Bangladesh has the potential to rise in the Global Innovation Index. The country has a young population, growing digital adoption, and increasing interest in entrepreneurship. But to reach the top 50 within the next 10 years, the education system must move away from rote learning and embrace creativity. This is not just an academic issue. It is a national priority. Innovation drives economic growth. It creates jobs. It improves quality of life. If Bangladesh invests in creative education today, the next decade could look very different.

Syed Almas Kabir is Chairman of Bangladesh ICT & Innovation Network (BIIN)

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.