State minister: Every district to get English version govt primary schools

Published at 06:36 pm January 31st, 2021

File photo of children running with books in their hand at a school in Hathazari, Chittagong Dhaka Tribune

The English version schools will be piloted in Dhaka before being introduced in other districts

All districts across Bangladesh will get English versions of government primary schools, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Zakir Hossain said on Sunday

He made the announcement while responding to a question from the media after a function at the Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, said a press release.

Zakir Hossain said: "English version government schools will be introduced on a pilot basis. It will start in the capital. We will go ahead after receiving approval from the prime minister.

"The quality of primary school teachers has improved a lot. We want to utilize this to make the students more proficient in English. That is why we are taking this initiative,” he added.

"In collaboration with the British Council, a total of 1,000 primary school teachers will be given special training in English through nine Primary Teachers Training Institutes (PTIs). Another 130,000 teachers will be trained in English in phases," the state minister further said.

The event was presided over by Primary and Mass Education Ministry Secretary Golam Md Hasibul Alam. Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni attended as the chief guest.

Director General of the Department of Primary Education Alamgir Mohammad Mansur Alam, senior officials of the British Council, and the British High Commission in Dhaka were also present, among others.