The 2025 academic textbooks for Bangladesh will include significant historical events and figures, such as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the historic March 7 speech, as part of the updated curriculum. According to the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), the Liberation War’s history will be presented in a balanced manner, ensuring due recognition for all key contributors without exaggeration.
NCTB Chairman Prof. Dr. A.K.M. Riazul Hasan stated, “Bangabandhu will be featured prominently in the context of March 7, along with the 1969 conferment of the ‘Bangabandhu’ title. Contributions of other key figures like Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, and General M.A.G. Osmani will also be included.”
However, the term “Father of the Nation” will not be used in the textbooks, as the decision did not receive unanimous approval. “We are moving away from the idea of one leader representing an entire nation. Many leaders contributed to the Liberation War, and their contributions will be proportionally highlighted,” Prof. Hasan added.
The revised textbooks aim to remove exaggerated portrayals and provide accurate historical accounts. Among those receiving significant recognition are national leader Tajuddin Ahmad, Major General Ziaur Rahman, and Abul Sayeed from the July uprising. Additionally, new topics like the wall writings from the 2024 July Movement and cultural elements such as calligraphy will be introduced.
Changes in the textbooks also include:
- Religious Studies: Calligraphy-style Quranic verses, Buddhist teachings of Gautama Buddha, Christian teachings, and Hindu scriptures.
- Literature: Removal of several old stories, with the addition of modern themes such as “Sense of Self” and “Loneliness.”
- Visual Arts: Inclusion of new chapters titled “Graffiti.”
The portraits of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her quotes, previously included on the covers and introductions of textbooks, will also be removed in the new edition.
This change follows the interim government’s decision to suspend the new curriculum introduced under the Awami League administration after their fall on August 5, 2024. The government has reverted to the 2012 curriculum with modifications to ensure balance and clarity.
The upcoming curriculum will reintroduce subject streams—Science, Commerce, and Humanities—for ninth and tenth grades, which had been previously removed. Students will begin receiving these updated textbooks in 2025
