Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury says students need digital skills and artificial intelligence knowledge, while promising a computer lab at Chittagong Collegiate School.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has stressed the need for technical knowledge, computer skills and artificial intelligence education among students. He made the remarks on Friday at a reception for meritorious students of Chittagong Collegiate School in Chattogram.
The minister attended the programme as the chief guest and congratulated students on their academic achievements. He also promised to establish a computer lab at the school after expressing concern about the lack of such a facility.
Amir Khasru said conventional education alone was no longer enough to prepare students for the modern world. He stressed that students must learn through digital methods and develop the technical skills needed to meet future challenges.
Family Support and Teachers’ Roles in Student Success
The finance minister highlighted the role of families and guardians in helping students achieve good academic results. He said students needed a suitable learning environment at home, along with support from their teachers and families.
According to him, academic success does not depend on students’ individual efforts alone. Teachers, students, guardians and family members must work together to create an environment that supports learning and better results.
The programme was presided over by the school’s acting headteacher, Muhammad Tajalli Azad. Professor Abdullah Al Mamun Chowdhury, chairman of the Chittagong Education Board, and Muhammad Faridul Alam Hossaini, regional deputy director of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education in Chattogram, attended as special guests.
Minister Calls for Better Library and Computer Facilities
Amir Khasru, a former student of Chittagong Collegiate School, recalled his school days during the event. He spoke about memories of the school assembly, cricket matches and library, saying that his student life remained vivid in his mind.
He also said he could still remember the names of his teachers and people who had worked at the institution. He added that the school’s management, development and educational standards had always been important to him.
The minister expressed concern after learning that the school library was no longer functioning as well as before. He said libraries played an important role in building students’ knowledge and reading habits.
He also expressed surprise that the school did not have a computer lab. He said a computer lab was essential for a modern educational institution and announced that one would be established at the school.
The announcement highlights the importance of improving access to digital learning facilities in educational institutions. Computer labs can help students develop practical skills alongside their regular classroom studies.
Chattogram Opens 3.5-Kilometre Bicycle Track in Patenga
Earlier on Friday morning, the finance minister inaugurated a 3.5-kilometre bicycle track in Patenga, Chattogram. Chittagong City Corporation built the track exclusively for cyclists.
According to the information provided at the event, it is the country’s first initiative of this kind. The track aims to provide a dedicated space for people who use bicycles.
After the inauguration, Amir Khasru said separate cycling lanes were common in developed countries. He noted that cycling could help people travel to work while also getting physical exercise.
He said the government wanted to introduce similar opportunities in Bangladesh. He also requested the mayor to develop four or five more cycling routes across Chattogram city.
The minister said residents should have more options for daily travel instead of relying only on buses and private cars. Expanding cycling facilities could also create more opportunities for people to include physical activity in their daily routines.
More Walking Paths Planned Across the City
The finance minister also called for walking paths along both sides of city canals wherever possible. He said these paths should provide enough space for people to walk and run without obstruction.
He stressed the need to create facilities that could help develop athletes in running, high jump and long jump. He also said initiatives were being taken to build walking paths in different areas for both men and women.
Amir Khasru noted that urban life was increasingly centred on residential buildings and apartments, leaving fewer opportunities for physical activity. He called for a suitable environment where residents could walk, run and exercise.
The bicycle track, proposed cycling routes and planned walking paths form part of the city’s efforts to expand opportunities for active travel and outdoor exercise.
The immediate next steps outlined by the minister include establishing a computer lab at Chittagong Collegiate School and pursuing further cycling and walking facilities in Chattogram.
