By Naziur Rahman 

DHAKA, July 29, 2026 (BSS)- A project titled "Digital Learning System" has 
been initiated to enhance the proficiency of secondary-level students in 
mathematics and science, particularly in remote and underprivileged areas 
across the country.

The project, titled "Digital Mathematics and Science Education Project", will 
be implemented with funding from the international development partner 
organisation JICA, following approval from the Directorate of Secondary and 
Higher Education (DSHE).

According to the project concept paper, the primary objectives include 
dispelling students' long-standing fear of mathematics and science, reducing 
the rural-urban education divide exacerbated by the post-COVID-19 pandemic, 
shifting away from rote learning toward a modern application, analysis, and 
problem-solving-based learning approach, and ensuring subject-based teaching 
competence among classroom teachers.

Speaking to BSS regarding the initiative, DSHE Director General (DG) 
Professor Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel said, "At the secondary level, 
students in remote and under-resourced areas lag behind in achieving expected 
competencies in math and science due to a lack of skilled subject teachers, 
appropriate learning materials, and self-learning opportunities. This 
learning gap has widened further due to the COVID pandemic."

He informed that the project's activities have been launched with JICA's 
funding to eliminate students' fear of math and science in remote parts of 
the country. Following the success of this technology-driven programme, an 
effective and scalable expansion model will be created to improve the quality 
of education in these two subjects for underprivileged students nationwide.

"No matter how advanced technology becomes, classroom transformation is 
impossible without skilled teachers. The digital teaching guides used in this 
project will boost teachers' instructional capacity and creativity," he 
added.
 
Regarding the project structure, DSHE stated that the initiative titled 
"Digital Math and Science Education Project for Teachers and Students in 
Under-resourced Remote Areas in Bangladesh" will be executed under JICA's 
"Grassroots Technical Co-operation" framework. 

Japanese non-profit organisation 'e-Education' and the Bureau of Research, 
Testing and Consultation (BRTC) of Bangladesh University of Engineering and 
Technology (BUET) will jointly manage the overall operations. 

Local organization 'Backbone Limited' is providing field-level assistance as 
an operational partner.

Concerned officials stated that following DSHE's review, formal no-objection 
was granted for the project on December 10, 2024. In coordination with the 
National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) and DSHE, every piece of 
digital content under the project will be developed in 100 percent alignment 
with national textbooks.

DSHE informed that the project implementation period has been set for three 
years, spanning from 2025 to 2028. Modern ICT tools and a prototype Learning 
Management System (LMS) will be utilized to bridge the educational gap in 
remote areas. 

The formal launch began with pre-piloting on July 24 and 25 at two 
educational institutions in Haimchar Upazila of Chandpur-Bajapti Ramani Mohan 
High School and Gandamara High School. 

Based on positive feedback from teachers, students, and school management 
during these initial operations, all upazilas in Chandpur will be considered 
as the primary pilot area.

A relevant DSHE official told BSS that approximately 160 students from each 
school will directly participate in the pilot project, comprising 80 students 
from Class 9 and 80 from Class 10. 

Based on the outcomes of the piloting in Chandpur district, plans are in 
place to gradually expand the project's scope to all 64 districts nationwide.

The DG remarked, "We are closely monitoring the activities in Chandpur 
district. Content is being made accessible and inclusive by adapting to the 
actual power, internet, and device capacities of the schools and the needs of 
the students. Subject to the success of the Chandpur pilot, we plan to expand 
this digital learning model for math and science to all 64 districts."

Three-tier Tech-driven Learning System:

According to the project document, the main goal is to improve the quality of 
classroom instruction in Classes 9 and 10. Schools facing infrastructure and 
resource constraints that make it difficult for teachers to simplify complex 
mathematical and scientific concepts are being prioritized.

DSHE noted that the project features a modern 'Learning Management System 
(LMS)' platform connecting teachers, students, and parents digitally. Through 
this platform, students can access learning materials, class notes, and 
practice modules effortlessly.

Meanwhile, parents in remote areas can track their children's daily 
attendance and academic progress using their mobile phones-a move 
stakeholders believe will play a landmark role in boosting family involvement 
and accountability in education.

Project officials clarified that the digital learning system is not meant to 
replace teachers, but rather to enhance their teaching capacity through 
advanced digital materials tailored to the modern curriculum. It allows 
teachers to seamlessly integrate these tools into their daily class 
schedules.
 
Teachers will present engaging multimedia content in the classroom, followed 
by interactive discussions and activities with students.

Consequently, students in under-resourced schools will have the opportunity 
to grasp complex scientific subjects easily and joyfully.

Elaborating on the long-term vision and implementation strategy, DSHE 
Director (Planning and Development) Mir Jahida Nazneen told BSS that JICA, 
alongside BUET and e-Education, is initiating the project activities in 
Chandpur, while DSHE provides institutional guidance and policy coordination. 

Additionally, Sajida Foundation has been working in Bangladesh on digital 
content and training for math and science education through "Khan Academy 
Bangladesh".

She stated, "We want JICA and Sajida Foundation to work under a unified, 
integrated framework rather than operating in silos. This will prevent 
duplication of efforts in the same schools. 

During a recent workshop, both parties were urged to sit together and build a 
synchronized digital teaching roadmap. Expanding this joint initiative across 
all 64 districts through teacher training and live monitoring systems will 
completely transform the landscape of math and science education in remote 
areas."

DSHE confirmed that as part of preparation and local engagement, 'e-
Education' and 'BUET' are already working closely with the two selected 
secondary schools in Chandpur. 

Efforts are ongoing to assess local needs, understand real classroom 
conditions, and evaluate teachers' mental and technological readiness to 
integrate digital methods into math and science instruction.