Professor Dr. Payer Ahmed :
Harnessing the power of science for national development is no longer a dream, it is a reality. In the context of Bangladesh, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is indispensable for building a knowledge-based society. The expansion of STEM education signifies a technologically advanced, skilled, and self-reliant Bangladesh.
Science teaches us the laws of nature, the source of discoveries, and methods of analysis. From the invention of vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic to weather forecasting, every aspect is a contribution of science.
Technology has made our daily lives easier. From mobile phones, the internet, and machine learning to health technology – these are practical applications of modern tech. A striking example of modern technological prowess is the fact that the terrorist state Israel managed to strike the residence of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander-in-Chief General Hossein Salami from thousands of kilometers away. Conversely, Iran also used retaliatory technologies to accurately target Mossad bases and other key assets in Israel.
Engineering solves real-world problems. From roads, bridges, buildings, and power plants to robotics and aircraft design – all are achievements of engineering. The recent Milestone tragedy exposed serious flaws in our construction practices, architectural planning, and safety engineering. This tragic event proves that without proper application of engineering knowledge, development projects can become death traps.
Mathematics is the foundation of STEM. No scientific analysis, design, or technological development is possible without math. From banking, artificial intelligence, and statistical analysis to mobile app development – mathematics is vital everywhere. Even in analyzing road accident rates, educational shortcomings, or budget deficits – math remains a critical tool.
The goal of STEM education is to create a generation capable of analysis, skilled in problem-solving, and driven by innovation. It emphasizes practical, experience-based knowledge over rote memorization.
STEM is not merely four academic branches – it is an integrated, skill-based philosophy. It empowers students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative abilities. Today’s world – with AI, robotics, agricultural tech, and genetic engineering – is largely powered by STEM.
Bangladesh is an agriculture-based country. Nearly 40% of the population is directly or indirectly engaged in agriculture, yet the sector remains largely traditional, labor-intensive, and unsafe. Agriculture contributes about 12-14% to our GDP. With innovative technologies, productivity can be significantly increased, ensuring food security and boosting exports, which in turn enhances GDP growth. A STEM-driven agricultural revolution will promote agro-processing industries, cold storage, and agricultural logistics – creating employment and stimulating the economy.
Being a densely populated nation, Bangladesh’s greatest asset is its youth – but only if they are equipped with the right knowledge and skills. STEM education can transform the population into productive human capital. I believe, “If even students in remote regions gain proficiency in STEM, Bangladesh can emerge as a technologically advanced and victorious nation.”
Leading nations in science, technology, and economics have prioritized STEM education from the primary level. Because STEM is not just the sum of four subjects – it is a comprehensive framework for analytical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and innovation.
I have been working on developing foundational, research-based, and enjoyable methodologies for STEM education at primary, secondary, higher secondary, university, and professional levels.
I have authored several books for various levels of learners, such as: STEM Olympiad, Basic Science at a Glance, Basic Engineering at a Glance, and Basic Mathematics at a Glance.
Key features of these books include:
1. Coverage of all essential fundamental knowledge
2. Integration of Bangladesh’s curriculum and global standards
3. Written using a purely scientific method and introducing a new approach
4. Enriched with the latest information
5. Definitions of all topics accompanied by examples
6. Inclusion of necessary illustrations
7. Strong emphasis on real-life examples
8. Deep interconnection with all academic levels
9. References and guidance for advanced research
10. Guidance toward building a successful career
I have divided STEM into seven domains for all educational tiers:
1. History of STEM
2. Application of STEM
3. Beauty of STEM
4. Enjoyment in STEM
5. STEM Phobia
6. Teaching in STEM
7. Research in STEM
We must establish school-based STEM labs, train high-quality teachers, and extend STEM to remote areas via virtual platforms. STEM-related books must be written in simple language to overcome fear of science, technology, engineering, and math – something I’ve already contributed to extensively. STEM materials should also be developed in local languages, and I have conducted broad research in this field.
My research highlights:
r Effective presentation methods
r Explanatory and engaging teaching approaches
r Consistent practice and application
r Joyful learning environments for both students and teachers
Globally, STEM education and research have been prioritized by leading nations:
USA: NASA and Silicon Valley’s tech revolution are STEM-driven.
Canada & Europe: Environmentally friendly tech, health-tech, and ed-tech.
Japan & China: Robotics, AI, and engineering breakthroughs.
Russia & Iran: Military technology, nuclear research, pharmaceutical innovations.
All of these nations emphasize hands-on STEM learning integrated with mathematics and science – Bangladesh must learn from these examples.
STEM’s potential role in Bangladesh includes:
1. Defense: Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
2. Education: Virtual labs and smart classrooms.
3. Healthcare: Telemedicine and biomedical engineering.
4. Agriculture: Drones, sensors, and smart farming.
5. Industry & Manufacturing: Robotics and automation.
6. Road & Bridge Construction: GPS, safety sensors, and advanced design software.
7. Riverbank Erosion & Flood Control: GIS, satellite image analysis, dredging tech.
8. Corruption Control: Blockchain and data-tracking technologies.
Can STEM help reduce road accidents? Absolutely. Smart traffic systems, AI-based identification of accident-prone zones, embedded road sensors, and use of advanced construction materials can significantly improve road safety.
Call to Policymakers:
If both private and public sectors take my timely research seriously, a revolutionary transformation in STEM education is possible. Unfortunately, in the past, such valuable research initiatives were overlooked. Now is the time to correct those mistakes.
STEM education must not be confined to science students alone – it should be accessible to students from all academic backgrounds, including humanities and commerce. To transform Bangladesh into a developed nation, STEM must be a top national priority. Now is the time to rethink our approach – to mainstream STEM education and build a technologically empowered Bangladesh.
Knowledge is power, and STEM is the foundation of that knowledge.
(The author is Vice-Chancellor, Chandpur Science and Technology University and Professor (Grade-1), Department of Mathematics, Jagannath University).
