Summary:
- The Bangladesh government is publishing 401.6 million new textbooks incorporating the July Revolution of 2024, emphasizing themes of unity and democracy through graffiti and narratives.
- The July Revolution, a student-led uprising against the quota system, led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
- Updated textbooks will also highlight contributions of key historical figures like Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Tajuddin Ahmad, and Ziaur Rahman, alongside liberation war narratives.
- The curriculum overhaul aims to ensure historical accuracy and foster national pride while addressing past criticisms of educational content.
The government of Bangladesh has announced the publication of 401.6 million new textbooks for primary and secondary students in the upcoming academic year, marking a significant update to the national curriculum. This initiative, overseen by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), seeks to incorporate pivotal historical events and figures into educational materials, with a particular focus on the July Revolution of 2024, a landmark moment in the nation’s recent history.
The July Revolution, also known as the Student-People’s Uprising, was a pro-democracy movement that began on July 1, 2024, as a student-led protest against the reinstatement of a controversial quota system in government jobs. The movement quickly escalated into a nationwide uprising against authoritarian rule, culminating in the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. The uprising resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,000 deaths and tens of thousands injured during violent crackdowns by law enforcement. The revolution ultimately led to the establishment of an interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Incorporating this historic event into textbooks is part of a broader effort to ensure that students learn about their country’s struggle for democracy and justice. The new textbooks will feature graffiti and narratives inspired by the revolution, emphasizing themes of unity and resilience. For instance, third-grade Bangla books will include graffiti titled “Joto Bipod Toto Oikko” (“The Greater the Danger, the Greater the Unity”), while history lessons for grades six through ten will present stories recounting the bravery and sacrifices made during this period.
The updated curriculum also highlights key figures from Bangladesh’s liberation history and post-independence struggles. Contributions from leaders such as Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Tajuddin Ahmad, and former President Ziaur Rahman are prominently featured. NCTB Chairman Dr. A.K.M. Riazul Islam emphasized that these updates aim to provide an accurate portrayal of history while fostering a sense of national pride among students. “We have included graffiti and articles that resonate universally and inspire dreams,” he stated.
The initiative has sparked discussions about the role of education in shaping national identity and preserving historical accuracy. Dr. Abdus Salam, a professor at Dhaka University’s Institute of Education and Research, stressed the importance of maintaining high-quality production standards for these books to ensure their longevity. He suggested that durable materials could reduce costs over time by allowing textbooks to be reused for up to two decades.
This curriculum overhaul reflects a commitment to documenting pivotal moments in Bangladesh’s history while addressing past criticisms of historical omissions or distortions in educational materials. By integrating lessons from both the liberation war and recent democratic movements, the government aims to instill values of resilience, justice, and unity in future generations.
As Bangladesh continues to navigate its post-revolutionary era, this educational reform underscores the nation’s efforts to honor its past while preparing its youth for a more inclusive and democratic future.
Source: Ittefaq
