Primary schools to get science toys and math labs: State Minister

The government is planning to introduce "science toys" into the primary education curriculum to encourage scientific thinking, creativity and hands-on learning among children, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said.

“The idea is to ensure that children learn science not only from textbooks, but also through play and practical activities,” Hajjaj said while addressing a UNICEF Bangladesh event titled “Foundational Learning Action Tracker” at a hotel in Dhaka Sunday (August 9).

He said the government is placing greater emphasis on science, mathematics, design and creativity in primary education, with plans to incorporate practical learning materials alongside science toys into the curriculum.

The government is also introducing “math labs” at primary schools, where students will learn basic mathematical concepts such as shapes, sizes, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction using hands-on materials.

Hajjaj said ensuring that every child develops foundational skills in reading, writing and mathematics remains the government’s top priority. A lack of basic learning at the primary level can create serious difficulties later in a child’s education, even if the student advances to higher grades, he said.

The state minister also outlined measures to bring out-of-school children into the education system and improve student retention. The government plans to provide various forms of support, including free school uniforms, with a nationwide programme for the first distribution of free uniforms scheduled to be launched on August 16, he said.

On the government’s mid-day meal programme, Hajjaj said authorities were working to address shortcomings identified during the pilot phase.

He said the success of a pilot project should not be measured solely by the number of beneficiaries reached, but also by how effectively problems identified during implementation are addressed.

Government education projects must be designed around clear operational frameworks rather than remaining limited to broad policy visions, Hajjaj said. While the government needs a long-term educational vision, each project must have defined activities, an implementation structure and effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, he added.

“Our goal is to take quality education to every household and every child in the country,” Hajjaj said, stressing that projects must be fully operational at the grassroots level and supported by stronger monitoring and phased implementation.

Primary and Mass Education Secretary Jasmin Nahar, UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Ms. Rana Flowers and Directorate of Primary Education Director General Shahina Ferdousi were also present at the event.