State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said Bangladesh can achieve economic sovereignty by developing the capacity to understand, adapt and innovate technology rather than merely buying and using it. Speaking as chief guest at the Artec General Exhibition 2026 in Osaka, Japan, on Wednesday, he said Bangladesh is committed to building STEM-based skills from primary education onward, drawing inspiration from Japan’s historical investment in education, technology, discipline and innovation.

Hajjaj said the government’s aim is not limited to teaching science and technology. It seeks to help children ask questions, think critically, understand ideas deeply, analyse problems and create practical solutions instead of relying on memorisation. He noted that Bangladesh has a workforce of more than 70 million, yet its economy remains heavily dependent on the ready-made garment sector. A diversified, knowledge-based and higher-value economy requires a strong STEM foundation from the primary level, he said.

He said the government is prioritising literacy, numeracy and basic skills, while planning to expand maths labs, science clubs and basic robotics education alongside teacher training. He described exhibition models as simple, modular, practical and affordable, saying they could be adapted for Bangladesh.