Dhaka:Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon announced that the government will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) education into the academic curriculum for students from Class VI to XII. This initiative aims to prepare students for the technological challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted the indispensability of artificial intelligence in the era of globalisation and emphasised the government's commitment to equipping the next generation with AI-related knowledge and skills. The announcement was made in response to a call attention notice by treasury bench lawmaker Rasheda Begum Hira in the Jatiya Sangsad.
The proposed curriculum will see students of Class VI learning about AI and related technologies such as virtual and augmented reality and robotics. Class VII will delve into AI-based search tools, the Internet of Things (IoT), and their practical applications. Class VIII students will be introduced to AI assistants, automation, and technology-based employment opportunities. Classes IX and X will cover the ethical use of AI, machine learning, and nanotechnology, while higher secondary students will study AI fundamentals and applications in various fields.
The minister also emphasized the importance of incorporating responsible AI use and online safety into school education, in light of recent cybersecurity concerns. He outlined plans to strengthen the technology-based education infrastructure by establishing technology laboratories in about 5,000 educational institutions and introducing multimedia classrooms under the Next Generation Secondary Education Project.
Additionally, Bangladesh's participation in UNESCO's Digital Learning Week was noted, where AI's responsible use in education was a significant topic. The government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aims to modernise the education system to prepare students for a technology-driven future. Funds have been allocated for ICT education to implement these planned initiatives.