The government plans to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) education in the curriculum for students from Class VI to XII from the 2027 academic year, covering topics such as AI applications, robotics, virtual reality, augmented reality, machine learning and nanotechnology.
The curriculum will also emphasise the responsible use of AI, fact-checking, deepfake detection and online safety.
Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon announced the plan in a statement under Rule 71 during the second day of the fourth session of parliament on Tuesday.
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal presided over the session.
In his statement, the minister said the world had entered the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, making technologies such as nanotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence increasingly important.
Against this backdrop, the government was placing special emphasis on ICT education and would incorporate AI-related content into the curriculum for Classes VI-XII from the 2027 academic year.
Outlining the class-wise curriculum, Milon said Class VI students would learn about artificial intelligence, AI-powered tools, virtual reality, augmented reality and robotics.
Class VII would cover the use of technology, AI-powered search tools, the use of AI in learning, the Internet of Things (IoT) and its real-life applications.
For Class VIII, the curriculum would include AI assistants, automation, IoT, the use of technology in business and commerce, emerging job opportunities, remote work and freelancing.
Students in Classes IX and X would study the ethical and unethical use of AI, e-commerce, entrepreneurship, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, machine learning, deep learning, robotics and nanotechnology.
At the higher secondary level, students in Classes XI and XII would be introduced to AI, its applications in everyday life and education, and its practical uses across different fields.
The minister said teaching students how to use AI would not be enough; they would also need to learn how to verify and assess information generated by AI tools.
Citing Singapore's inclusion of fact-checking and deepfake-related topics in its school curriculum, he said Bangladeshi students should also be taught responsible, age-appropriate AI use, fact-checking and online safety.
Plan to set up technology labs in 5,000 institutions
The government also plans to establish technology labs in around 5,000 educational institutions to enhance students' technological skills, the minister said.
The labs will offer training in AI, robotics, 3D printing and renewable energy technologies. The project has an estimated cost of Tk7,500 crore.
Under the Next Generation Secondary Education Project, the government also plans to establish multimedia classrooms, technology labs, science labs and computer labs in 1,050 educational institutions. The project will also cover teacher training and the construction of new classrooms.
Its estimated cost is Tk3,397.49 crore.
Milon said Bangladeshi representatives attended UNESCO's Digital Learning Week, held from September 8 to 11, where the theme was "Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence".
Discussions at the event focused on preventing AI misuse and ensuring its responsible application in education, he added.
Questions raised over effectiveness of existing digital labs
Responding to a question from MP Rasheda Begum Hira, the minister said Tk397 crore had been spent on setting up digital labs in 4,000 educational institutions during the first phase of the initiative.
The lawmaker urged the minister to visit his constituency and assess whether the labs were functioning effectively.
In response, Milon said the government had prioritised ICT education and allocated funds for the sector in the national budget.
He said the government was working to meet the expectations raised by the lawmaker and would implement the planned initiatives in the coming days.