ADB shows interest in local IT, agribusiness investment

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has expressed interest in providing investment and grants to Bangladesh in information technology, agricultural entrepreneurship and industry-academia partnerships.

ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Chun-Feng Zhang conveyed the interest during a meeting with Mahdi Amin, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education, Primary and Mass Education and spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Thursday afternoon.

Other members of the ADB delegation included Gi Sun Song, director of the bank’s Human and Social Development Division; Faiza Ahad, project officer (education); and Farin Islam, programme officer.

During the meeting, Zhang outlined plans to invest in research and development capacity in higher education, particularly in computer science, information and communication technology (ICT) and software engineering.

The ADB also expressed interest in strengthening collaboration between industries and educational institutions and supporting research-based entrepreneurship initiatives at agricultural universities.

In addition, the bank plans to explore initiatives to improve teachers’ skills at secondary and higher education levels and enhance classroom teaching through interactive learning materials and the use of artificial intelligence.

Zhang said one of the key objectives of the ADB's programme was to ensure that university research went beyond academic publications and contributed to solving practical problems faced by industries.

During the meeting, Mahdi Amin outlined the government's ongoing initiatives and future plans to modernise the country's education system.

He said the government was introducing two compulsory subjects, Sports and Culture, in Grade Four for the first time in Bangladesh as part of a major reform aimed at making education more enjoyable and participatory.

The initiative will be extended to Grade Five in the next academic year and gradually introduced across all grades, he added.

Read More

ADB pledges continued support for primary education reforms

Reaffirming the government's commitment to expanding female education, Amin said the previous BNP government, led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, had introduced free education for girls up to Grade 12.

Building on that initiative, the current government has announced free education for girls up to the undergraduate level, with plans to extend the facility to postgraduate or master's level within the next two to three years as part of its medium-term goals.

He also said the government's mid-day meal programme was currently operating in 150 government primary schools, covering students from Grade One to Grade Five. The programme is expected to be gradually expanded to all primary schools across the country.

Outlining plans to improve the classroom environment, Amin said the government was gradually replacing conventional benches in government primary schools with individual chairs and tables for students, alongside providing free school uniforms and mid-day meals.

The government is also introducing learning toys and outdoor recreational facilities, including playground slides, at government primary schools to support children's mental development and promote a learning environment based on happiness and cultural engagement.