In Bangladesh, the national curriculum is often likened to a recipe that subjects bright, inquisitive children to 12 years of rote learning, instilling a fear of academic failure and emphasizing coaching center influence. However, despite this rigorous academic seasoning, the end result falls short on the global educational scale. The World Bank reports that Bangladesh’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) is now only on par with Grade 7 internationally, indicating a significant learning lag of five years compared to global standards.
Despite efforts to modernize through frameworks like the National Curriculum Framework 2021, the core principle of the education system remains focused on memory-based assessments rather than meaningful learning experiences. The current curriculum fails to encourage critical thinking and creativity, promoting rote memorization and regurgitation of textbook content instead.
Subjects such as science and religion prioritize memorization of facts over practical understanding, while civic education lacks engagement with contemporary issues like democratic values and climate justice. Important topics like consent, gender equity, and mental health are conspicuously absent from the curriculum, leaving students ill-prepared for real-world challenges.
Efforts to revamp the curriculum, such as the introduction of continuous assessment in the new curriculum for classes 1-5, have faced challenges in implementation due to lack of teacher training and resource disparities between urban and rural schools. The focus on outdated pedagogical methods and the neglect of essential life skills like financial literacy and digital safety further highlight the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the education system.
To truly prepare students for the demands of the 21st century, the curriculum must shift towards promoting critical thinking, analysis, and real-world application of knowledge. Teachers play a vital role in this transformation and should be adequately supported with training and resources to implement modern teaching practices.
Addressing issues of inequality in educational resources and democratizing the curriculum design process are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and effective education system. By reimagining the curriculum to prioritize inquiry, analysis, and real-world relevance, Bangladesh can nurture students who are not just proficient test-takers but well-rounded, empowered individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.