Staff Correspondent

 State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj held a bilateral meeting with UNICEF Global Director of Education Pia Rebello Britto at the United Nations Plaza in New York on Friday, to discuss modernizing and enhancing the quality of Bangladesh's primary education system.

The meeting focused on integrating Educational Technology (EdTech) into primary education, boosting English language proficiency among young learners, enhancing technology integration across schools, and ensuring inclusive education for children with disabilities.

During the discussions, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj highlighted that technology-driven education expands learning opportunities for primary students. He noted that the effective application of digital tools and artificial intelligence-based educational materials can play a vital role in developing students' language and foundational skills.

The two sides also explored opportunities to partner with international technology giants, including Google, to advance Bangladesh's education sector. They exchanged views on leveraging technology to improve learning outcomes, train teachers, and build administrative capacity.

Emphasizing equitable access, the State Minister called for building an inclusive and accessible educational framework for children with disabilities so that no child is deprived of quality primary education due to physical or structural barriers.

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh's primary education sector, promising technical assistance and international partnerships to advance EdTech, build English proficiency, foster connections with global tech firms, and maintain inclusive learning environments.

Following the bilateral session, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj attended a high-level roundtable meeting titled "Skills for Brighter Futures: Investing in Human Capital for Youth on the Move" at UNICEF House on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).