BNP's education policy aims to end urban-rural divide: Mahdi Amin

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin on Friday said their party wants to establish an education system free from urban-rural disparity.

"Our leader Tarique Rahman envisions an education system where there will be no difference between city and village schools. His plan includes increasing facilities for primary school teachers and providing each teacher with a tablet computer so that they can join the best training programmes from rural areas," he said.

Dr Mahdi Amin made the remarks while addressing a discussion titled "Children's Growth, Development and Psychology", organised by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal in the capital on Friday, BSS reports.

"Tarique Rahman wants a Bangladesh where our students will grow up as global citizens-fluent not only in Bangla and English, but also in a third international language," he said, adding that education should nurture creativity rather than rely on compulsion.

"If BNP comes to power, we will introduce a new subject from class six titled Learning with Happiness, which will include arts, literature, and sports. We want a system where sports become an inseparable part of learning," he added.

Mahdi Amin said the BNP's education vision also includes engaging students in environmental and social development activities. "That's why our leader has proposed One Child, One Tree-each child will plant one tree every year and take part in canal excavation activities," he said.

Amin added that if BNP assumes power, multimedia classrooms will be introduced in all primary and secondary schools across the country, aiming to bridge the quality gap between urban and rural education.

"Our leader believes education must be more practical and employment-oriented so that young people can not only find jobs but also become entrepreneurs. We will strengthen vocational and technical education," he said.

Mahdi Amin also recalled that students from public and private universities, colleges, schools, and madrasahs played a leading role in last year's mass uprising, where more than 50 children embraced martyrdom.

"If we are to uphold the spirit of that movement, we must ensure a better future for our children-a Bangladesh where they can grow as enlightened citizens," he said, adding that the country's large youth population is its greatest strength.

Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna presided over the event.