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On teacher shortages, he said the education ministry would work with the cultural affairs ministry, and cultural personalities at the district level could support schools through upazila-level clusters.

The press briefing was arranged to inform the media about the “Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament” and the “Startup, Science Project and Innovation Idea Showcasing Programme”.

Bobby Hajjaj, state minister for primary and mass education, and Mahdi Amin, education adviser to the prime minister, also addressed the briefing.

Mahdi Amin said the government wanted an education system based on equity, civic values, discipline, practical skills and real-life learning.

From the next academic year, sports and culture will be introduced as new subjects from class four, he said, adding that “learning with happiness” along with technical and vocational education will be introduced from class six.

According to him, culture would not mean only music and dance; it could include reading, handwriting, recitation, poetry, storytelling, debate and arts. While sports would include football, cricket, kabaddi, chess and swimming, among others.

Mahdi said more than 11 lakh boys and more than 11 lakh girls from 65,342 schools took part in the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament, which began on April 6.

The final will be held at the Army National Stadium on June 20.

Bobby Hajjaj said the ministry was taking an initiative to arrange global-standard football training for champion teams.

The final round of the “Startup, Science Project and Innovation Idea Showcasing Programme” will be held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre on June 29.