Published: 11:42 PM, 08 September 2026
Basic learning must be strengthened to enable children to use AI: Milon
Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has stressed the need to strengthen children's basic learning skills, including reading, reasoning and information verification, to make them capable and competent in using artificial intelligence (AI).
"Children in Bangladesh have some weaknesses in basic learning. To safely derive maximum benefit from artificial intelligence technology, their learning capacity must first be enhanced. At the same time, teachers must be directly involved in pilot projects and evaluations before introducing or procuring AI in any educational institution," he said.
The minister made the remarks while speaking at a high-level session titled "Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" at the four-day "Digital Learning Week 2026" held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, on Tuesday, said a press release.
Ministers and high-level representatives from 25 countries are participating in the international UNESCO forum. This year's Digital Learning Week, being held from September 8 to 11, with the theme: "Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Truth, Conflict, Boundaries."
Highlighting the opportunities and limitations of using AI in education, Dr Milon said artificial intelligence saves considerable time for people, but its indiscriminate use is not appropriate in all areas.
However, he said, it would not be appropriate to rely solely on automated AI systems for the recruitment, promotion or performance evaluation of teachers, or for any administrative or disciplinary decisions.
Referring to the growing popularity of AI worldwide, the minister said its success cannot be judged by how many people are using it or how many pilot projects are underway. In Bangladesh, AI systems must be evaluated based on specific educational outcomes, reducing teachers' workload, educational equity, data security and cost-effectiveness.
On the second day of the conference tomorrow, Wednesday, Education Minister Dr Milan is scheduled to participate in a plenary session titled "Teachers at the Center: Agency, Competencies and the Teacher-Student Relationship."
