Bangladesh unveils ambitious new secondary curriculum
In a radical move to re-imagine the future of education, the Government of Bangladesh has said they will begin rollout of the new national curriculum at secondary level, with widespread implementation by 2027. The sweeping reform is being described as one of the biggest overhauls to the country’s education system in decades and will see students moving away from rote learning and into critical thinking, creativity, and life skills.
A Curriculum for the Future
The new framework has been developed over the last few years by the Ministry of Education with the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) as its collaborator. Revised curriculum According to officials, the revised curriculum marks a meaningful change that aims to prepare students more effectively for the rapidly changing world influenced by technology, globalisation, and the complex challenges posed by climate change and economic inequality.
The aim of us would be to build a new generation who are thinkers, analytical people and as well as responsible citizens,” Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni said. “The 2027 syllabus is learner-centred, inclusive and is in harmony with both national priorities and global educational trends.
Highlights of What’s New
Cross-Disciplinary Learning: There will be more blurring of subject borders, stimulating integrated teaching and learning. For example, science, technology, environment, and ethics could be learnt through thematic units.
Focus on skill development: Communication, digital literacy, financial awareness, emotional intelligence and teamwork will be covered, especially for grade 6-10.
Reforming Assessment: Tests would not be the only measure of your academic progress. The focus will be on formative assessment, project work and applications.
Inclusivity and equity: The curriculum hopes to meet the learning requirement for all and include those who are differently abled, children of the Indigenous, and the children from the rural/remote/underprivileged background as well.
Environmental and Civic Education: -Active citizenship and environmental responsibility from early age through community engagement for solving the current society’s environmental problems.
Training the Teachers
The preparation of teachers is clearly a vital part of this reform. These new methods of teaching will require at least 500,000 secondary school teachers to undergo substantial retraining. The government, working with groups such as UNICEF and BRAC, already has begun a countrywide training program on active learning, digital resources, and classroom inclusivity.
Dr Md Farhad Hossain mentioned, “No teacher, no curriculum reform. Our teachers are the link between theory and practice.”
Challenges Ahead
Though the reform has been widely welcomed, it remains fraught with problems. There is also scepticism on whether schools, especially those in rural areas, is ready for the shift to technology-based and student-driven learning. Infrastructure gaps, scarce internet access and inadequate teacher-student ratios are real obstacles that must be overcome.
Parents will need orientation as the traditional signs of academic success change, too. As one mother in Dhaka put it: “We were born and brought up thinking grades are everything. Now, we must learn an entirely new way of learning.”
Looking Forward
The 2027 education reform is not just a new education policy — it is a social contract.” It symbolizes Bangladesh’s determination to raise a generation that can make out in a complicated world, value democracy and be useful to the society.
And with political will, community support and ongoing investment, this curriculum can not only revolutionize classrooms, but also the future of the country.
Banking after Racine et al.
Sidebar: Student Life in 2027
• Method One science or arts in any separate class till class 10
• Availability of tablets and smartboards in the classroom
• Projects instead of “textbook only” assignments.
• New topics: Climate Studies, Gender & Society, Digital Citizenship
• Extra PE, arts and mental health sessions