PM Tarique Rahman unveils plan to integrate sports, culture, innovation in education

DHAKA, JUNE 29 (V7N) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced his administration's plan to integrate athletics, cultural activities, and technological innovation directly into the national curriculum. Speaking at the "Startup, Science Project and Innovation Idea Showcasing" national finale at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Center, the Premier stated that this vision was not formed overnight. Pointing to his Education Adviser, Mahdi Amin, the Prime Minister revealed that the duo had spent the last decade conceiving these academic reforms, tracing the roots of the ideas back to collaborative discussions while Amin was studying at Oxford University.

The Prime Minister emphasized that these student-centric strategies are vital for preparing the next generation to lead the country and compete globally. To equip future leaders for a technology-driven world, the government has decided to introduce several foreign languages, including English, as optional third languages for students from Grades 6 to 12. Alongside linguistic training, the government plans to weave a broader selection of sports into everyday schooling and implement mandatory technical and vocational training starting in the sixth grade to ensure all students graduate with practical, real-world skills.

The national event, which saw the singing of the national anthem and scriptural recitations, served as the culmination of a massive multi-tiered talent hunt launched on June 12. Involving over a thousand students and teachers from Grades 6 to 12, the competition moved through upazila, district, and national brackets under the newly formed Educational Excellence Support Scheme. At the grand finale, top-ranking student teams were awarded Taka 20,000 cheques, medals, and certificates by the Prime Minister and his spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, while guiding teachers received Taka 30,000 cheques. Ultimately, St. Joseph Higher Secondary School of Dhaka secured the prestigious champion title.

Prominent dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon and Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque. The event commenced with a welcome address from Professor Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), and included appreciative speeches from student representatives. After reviewing the exhibition stalls, the Prime Minister praised the immense creativity displayed by the young inventors and pledged the government's unwavering support to help scale their startup concepts.

Turning his attention to civic responsibility, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged the youth to prioritize discipline and environmental cleanliness. He noted that unlike many spotless public spaces abroad, domestic streets are frequently marred by litter that citizens dump themselves. The Premier challenged the students to act as role models by actively keeping public roads clean and discouraging others from littering, emphasizing that personal accountability is key to transforming the face of the nation.

In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister congratulated all participants, urging those who did not win to return next year with even greater determination. He also addressed the educators, calling them the ultimate architects of the nation's future. While acknowledging the systemic challenges teachers face, he promised that the government would address their grievances gradually. The premier concluded by asserting that a generation grounded in quality education, deep compassion, and moral values is a nation's greatest possible asset, before being presented with a commemorative plaque alongside his wife ahead of a student cultural performance.