Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni said that they have incorporated interactive learning at the primary and secondary levels, where children now receive quality education through cultural expressions such as performing plays, reciting poetry, experiential learning, and active learning, among others.
“Students will learn to work both individually and in groups. This will develop their soft skills, such as communication, leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and more, from a young age,” she said.
The Education Minister made the remarks at a programme titled “Let’s Talk: Education & Culture” held at Rabindra University on May 31.
Young Bangla of the Centre for Research and Information hosted the event that serves as a policy discussion and idea-sharing platform between young minds and policymakers in Bangladesh.
The 46th Let's Talk, organised by Young Bangla, focused on the topic of 'Education and Culture,' with the participation of over 350 students from the Sirajganj district.
The panelists for this interactive session included Dr. Dipu Moni; Anwarul Abedin Khan MP, Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Agriculture; Professor Dr. Md. Shah Azam, Vice Chancellor of Rabindra University, Bangladesh; and A.T.D. Angel, General Secretary of Choupash Natyanchal and recipient of the Joy Bangla Youth Award 2017.
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The youth from the Sirajganj district posed questions to the panelists on various topics, including the importance of cultural practices, the correlation between education and culture, the contemporary education system of Bangladesh, the gap between industry and academia, and the youth's contribution to culture, among others.
Regarding the increase in cultural practices among students, Dipu Moni MP emphasised the importance of cultural enhancement to acquire true knowledge, as culture and education are intertwined.
She shared that the education system of Bangladesh is adopting new practices to introduce students to cultural activities within the classroom through interactive learning at the primary and secondary levels.
Students expressed their concerns about the gap between industry and academia, and the Minister of Education responded by stating that despite the number of educated students, there is a shortage of available qualified jobs.
She suggested that only the youth can solve this problem by creating more job opportunities through entrepreneurship.
Additionally, she proposed the addition of mandatory courses in Language, ICT, Soft Skills, and Entrepreneurship to every department at the tertiary level. Furthermore, new course modules and teacher training programs are being developed.
Participants raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure for cultural practices and the establishment of new universities, according to a media release.
Dipu Moni commented, "It is crucial for every student to have a proper campus life during their educational journey. It not only provides them with an ideal environment to study but also offers them a space to explore life and engage in cultural activities. Some of the newly established universities are enrolling students before having a proper campus. We are looking into this matter and expect that they do not continue this practice."