PM for use of familiar words to make science education easier, accessible

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Monday laid emphasis on the use of familiar words instead of terminology in developing contents to make science education easier and accessible to all. “We have to accept the words that are widely familiar and mostly used in internationally,” she said.

The Premier said this while inaugurating the four-day long programmes at the auditorium of International Mother Language Institute (IMLI), joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban. The IMLI organised the event on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day-2022.

She urged all to avoid terminology in developing content, saying that everyone should keep in mind that the content becomes inaccessible and non-understandable due to more use of terminology. “I don’t believe that we need to use terminology in everywhere.”

Referring to the incorporation of over 8,000 foreign words in Bangla language, she called upon all not to be much conservative in using foreign words rather put emphasis on developing easy and accessible content in Bangla using the conventional and familiar science terminology worlds.

Sheikh Hasina also asked the International Mother Language Institute to continue their research to ensure that how the language can be made accessible and understandable to all alongside their regular works. With Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, MP in the chair, Secondary and Higher Secondary Division Secretary Md. Abu Bakr Siddique delivered welcome address.

Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury, MP and the Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh Beatrice Kaldun also spoke. International Mother Language Institute Director General Md. Belayet Hossain Talukdar gave vote of thanks.

Besides, Professor Dr Lafifa Jamal, Chairperson, Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Dhaka, made keynote presentation. At the outset of the function, Ekushey song was presented while one minute silence was also observed in respect to the martyrs of February 21.

The Prime Minister advised all to be careful in using the terminology, saying that the Bengali word for “content” is “adheya” but many people will not understand if is said where as if content is said it would be understandable easily to all.

Putting priority on developing Bangla content on computers and internet alongside making Bangla Keyboard easier to use, said work is going on it. Sheikh Hasina said easy use of scientific terminology in Bengali language is needed to attract more students in science education in the country as no nation can make progress without flourishing the science-based education.

“I think no nation can step further without flourishing the science based education,” she opined. She added science-based education, science-based research and knowledge-based research must be used for the welfare of the people that is the most important matter.

She continued “Research in every sector such as health, education, science even in industry is utmost needed.” The Premier said research in all subjects including language, literature, culture and science is urgently needed to transform the country from developing to developed one.

“Keeping eyes on that we are trying to do our works,” she said.

Mentioning that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had given utmost importance to the practice of science and scientific research, she said he (Bangabandhu) had given the responsibility to Dr Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda, the best scientist of that time, to form the country’s Education Commission during the reconstruction of the war-torn country.

Turing on the history of the Language Movement, the Prime Minister said although the February 21, 1952 saw the tragic incident, the movement for mother language began much earlier and Bangabandhu was one of the initiators of the movement.

At the proposal of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said, the State Language Action Council was formed comprising Chhatra League, Tamuddin Majlish and other student organisations in 1948.

She said the government has developed apps in nine languages and created many opportunities for freelancers, and added that her government has also adopted learning and earning project so that people in grassroots level can earn money through computers staying at home.

Highlighting that her government has ensured the identity of freelancers through registration and certification as well as eliminating the problem of withdrawing money from banks, she said now freelancers can work easily and more scopes would be created if it is possible to develop good Bangla contents.

"I think it is important to create content, use it in Bengali and get it widely publicized, so that they can learn it from an early age," she said. She also mentioned the initiative of her government to diversify education by establishing universities based on different subjects.