Starting in 2027, Bangladesh’s secondary education system will undergo major changes with the introduction of a revised curriculum. The implementation will begin with Grade 6 and gradually extend to Grade 12 in the following years.
This announcement was made at a press conference held on Wednesday (June 4) at the Ministry of Education. Present at the briefing were Education Adviser Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar (C.R. Abrar), Senior Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division Siddiq Zobayer, and Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division K.M. Kabirul Islam.
Previously, under the now-ousted government, a new curriculum had already been rolled out for Grades 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 by 2023. The plan was to extend it to Grades 4, 5, and 10 in 2024. However, following the political shift and the fall of the Awami League government in July, the curriculum reform was halted, and the 2012 national curriculum was reinstated for secondary education.
Despite this, the new curriculum has remained in effect at the primary level. The 2025 academic year’s textbooks for primary classes are being developed based on the updated framework. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has nearly completed the necessary revisions.
Addressing reporters, Education Adviser C.R. Abrar said, “If we are to dream anew and rethink education, it must include elements like technology, inclusivity, and justice. For that, we need to move beyond the limitations of the existing curriculum—and national consensus will be key.”
He confirmed that the 2012 curriculum would remain in place through 2026 but expressed confidence that a solid foundation for the revised secondary curriculum could be laid during his tenure.
Senior Secretary Siddiq Zobayer explained that changing the entire Grade 6–12 curriculum at once would not be practical. Therefore, a phased rollout will begin in 2027, starting with Grade 6.
Meanwhile, the NCTB has already initiated preliminary work on the revised curriculum.
Additionally, the ministry announced that from July 1, the process of transferring college-level teachers will move online, and a similar system will be introduced for schools in the coming months.
To support retired and active MPO-listed (government-subsidized) teachers and staff, the government has allocated BDT 2,000 crore in bonds and BDT 200 crore in cash for welfare and retirement benefits, according to the education adviser.
