Bangladesh Launches AI Curriculum for Secondary Schools

The Government of Bangladesh has announced a new initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into the national secondary school curriculum, aiming to equip students with future-ready skills. Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni revealed the plan during a press briefing in Dhaka on Tuesday, stating that the curriculum will be rolled out across 10,000 government and private schools starting next academic year.

The initiative, part of the broader Digital Bangladesh vision, will introduce foundational AI concepts, coding, and robotics for students in grades six to ten. The curriculum includes interactive modules developed in collaboration with local tech firms and international partners, including UNESCO and the World Bank. According to the ministry, teachers will undergo specialized training programs to handle the new subject matter, with over 5,000 educators already enrolled in pilot workshops. The program also incorporates ethical considerations of AI use, addressing topics such as data privacy and algorithmic bias to ensure responsible technology adoption. Additionally, AI innovation labs will be established in 500 selected schools to serve as model centers for hands-on learning.

Minister Moni emphasized that the move aligns with global educational trends and Bangladesh’s strategic goals to foster a tech-savvy workforce. "In an era where AI-driven industries are reshaping economies, it is critical for our youth to gain early exposure to these technologies," she said. The ministry estimates that the program will reach approximately 2.5 million students nationwide, with a phased expansion to all schools by 2026.

However, education experts have raised concerns about infrastructure gaps and resource disparities between urban and rural schools. Dr. Amina Chowdhury, a professor at Dhaka University’s education department, noted that while the initiative is commendable, many rural schools lack reliable electricity, internet access, or basic computer labs. "Without addressing these foundational issues, the curriculum risks widening the digital divide," she warned. The Bangladesh National Teachers Association (BNTA) also expressed concerns about teacher preparedness, citing limited professional development opportunities for educators. The ministry has acknowledged these challenges and stated that infrastructure improvements, including solar-powered computer labs in remote areas, are part of the rollout plan.

This is not the first step toward digital education in Bangladesh. Previous efforts, such as the distribution of tablets to students and the introduction of online learning platforms during the pandemic, faced hurdles due to connectivity issues and affordability. The new AI curriculum builds on these initiatives but faces similar scrutiny regarding implementation feasibility.

The government has allocated 500 million taka from the national budget for the first phase, with additional funding sought from international development agencies. The Education Ministry also plans to partner with private sector companies to provide hardware donations and mentorship programs for students. TechBangla, a local startup, confirmed it will supply 20,000 low-cost robots for classroom use. Despite these efforts, critics stress the need for sustained investment and monitoring to ensure equitable access.

As the academic year approaches, stakeholders are calling for transparency in the rollout process and regular assessments to measure the program’s impact. The ministry has promised quarterly progress reports and community engagement sessions to address concerns. Whether this initiative will bridge educational gaps or exacerbate existing disparities remains to be seen.