State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj called for reducing memorisation-based learning in primary schools and teaching children through play and enjoyable activities. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the “Khelay Khelay Shikhi” workshop on reviewing an information book, organised by the National Academy for Primary Education at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. He said play-based learning can foster critical thinking, problem-solving and children’s intellectual development.

Hajjaj said effective, sustainable education cannot be ensured through memorisation alone. He urged the integration of local games into curricula and textbooks, alongside child-friendly school infrastructure suited to play-based learning. The academy and partner organisations have researched and collected information on local games, documenting 412 so far. Work is also under way to formalise and incorporate more than 700 locally practised games into the curriculum.

Citing experiences in China and Japan, he said Bangladesh plans a similar integration of toys and games with curriculum subjects. Discussions have already been held with the NCTB, and relevant stakeholders will meet soon to take necessary steps. The NCTB had previously said it was preparing to introduce a new subject called “sports” from the 2027 academic year.