A high-level panel discussion on Science Education: Policies and Realities was hosted during the second Bangladesh Socio-Cultural Forum (BSCF) in collaboration with the Institute of Informatics and Development (IID) on October 11, 2025, bringing together educators, policymakers, researchers, political leaders, and youth activists to assess science education in Bangladesh and outline pathways for reform.
During the event, the speakers highlighted the sector’s long-standing neglect and stressed the urgent need for systemic reforms, increased investment in teacher training, and stronger research support. Rejaul Karim, Senior Science Teacher at Rajbari Government High School, highlighted the lack of student confidence, inadequate infrastructure, and the widespread practice of assigning science teachers to unrelated subjects. He further noted that unqualified teachers and limited opportunities are discouraging both educators and learners, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Professor Dr. Raihana Shams Islam of Rajshahi University warned of declining student quality and insufficient research funding, stating “Only about 1% of Dhaka University’s budget is allocated for research,”. Thus, urging young academics to uphold integrity and remain independent of partisan politics. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nurul Islam Bulbul reaffirmed Islam’s support for scientific inquiry and cited corruption, mismanagement, and inadequate budgeting as major barriers. BNP’s Shama Obaid criticized the commercialization of education, she stated “We’re building universities without improving quality,” stressing the party’s commitment to increasing education spending to 5% of GDP and expanding quality research. Consequently, calling for strengthening vocational and technical training. National Citizen Party’s Senior Joint Co-Convenor, Samanta Shermeen highlighted declining respect for teachers, unplanned institutional expansion, and the dual practical – imaginative dimensions of science education. She argued that meaningful change requires an autonomous national Education Commission to drive long-term reform beyond political influence.
Adding a student leader’s fresh viewpoint, Samin Yasar Saad, RUET student and Camp Chief of Astronomy Camp 2025, stated “There is a significant gap between the institutional structure of science education and its practical application,” therefore showcasing that outdated laboratories, obsolete equipment, and theory-heavy curricula continue to hinder Bangladesh’s progress toward global standards in STEM fields. Youth perspectives also underscored how these institutional weaknesses shape students’ learning experiences. University of Dhaka student and activist Umama Fatema emphasized that outdated curricula and weak classroom delivery push students toward private coaching and online resources. She stated “Due to poor classroom teaching, many are turning to YouTube and coaching centers.” Hence, she advocated for more experiential learning to promote scientific innovation.
The panel discussion, moderated by Md. Mahfuz Mishu of Jamuna Television, thus underscored persistent disparities between Bangladesh’s policy commitments and the practical realities of science education. Syeed Ahamed founder and CEO of Institute of Informatics and Development (IID) also emphasized “To bridge the knowledge gap in education, science education must be prioritized because science teaches people to think critically, ask questions, and seek evidence,” Furthermore, he noted. “Without investing in teacher training and linking recruitment with effective capacity building, we cannot expect sustainable improvement.” The dialogue emphasized a strong call for structural reform in science education, beginning with the proposal for a national “Special Commission on Science Education” to guide policy and implementation through evidence-based approaches. The session not only concluded with a unified call for bold, evidence-driven reform across the entire science education pipeline but also had participants agreeing that collaborative action among policymakers, educators, and youth is essential to strengthen Bangladesh’s capacity for innovation in STEM, AI, and emerging technologies.
IID, as the Policy Partner, announced that all recommendations from the discussion will be considered for submission and emphasized to the Advisor of Education and other stakeholders to inform future education reforms.