In an effort to promote gender equality among students, regardless of gender, a story titled “Amar Barir Kaj” was included in the 2024 edition of the second-grade Bangla textbook Amar Bangla Boi through a conversation-based narrative.
The book was revised for the 2025 academic year.
In the previous edition, the phrase “Tuli wanted to go to the market” was changed to “Tuli wanted to do household chores” in the revised version.
This change has sparked criticism, with accusations that it undermines gender equality and teaches children gender discrimination.
The issue has stirred debate on social media, with arguments both for and against the change.
The 2024 edition of Amar Barir Kaj conveyed the message that tasks such as washing clothes and tidying the house are not exclusively women’s work—both men and women should share all household responsibilities.
Changes in textbook
Three significant changes were made in the story.
In the 2024 edition, the lines “I will clean the house” and “I will organize clothes” were spoken by Topu, a male character.
However, in the revised 2025 edition, these lines are now spoken by Tuli, a female character.
Additionally, in the 2024 edition, when Tuli’s father mentions going to the market, Tuli says: “I will go to the market.”
In the 2025 edition, this line is now spoken by Topu, who says”: “I will go to the market with Dad.”
These changes have sparked discussions and debates on social media.
Concerns raised
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has expressed concern over the changes.
On the other hand, the chairman of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has said that the revisions fall under the jurisdiction of the relevant experts, and they are the ones best suited to comment on the matter.
Dr Maleka Banu, general secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, has expressed concerns about the changes in the textbook, calling them a bad omen.
She emphasized the need to prevent such changes, saying: “Both boys and girls need to work inside and outside the home. They must develop this mindset from childhood. Efforts to prevent gender discrimination have been ongoing for a long time, and we have seen progress in some areas. If textbooks revert to outdated norms, we will move backward.”
She further added: “This is not just about one instance; textbooks should teach children to respect the work done by women and foster a change in their perception of women from an early age. Changes in textbooks that reinforce gender biases must be prevented.”
Pulak Ghatak, general secretary of Bangladesh Hindu Ain Sanskar Parishad, a platform advocating for equal rights for Hindu women in Bangladesh, said: “They are trying to limit women to household chores and disconnect them from the broader world and life. If women are confined to domestic work, they will miss out on opportunities for higher education. Those who have participated in anti-discrimination movements would not have had the opportunity if they were restricted by such teachings.
“The changes in the textbook are highly condemnable and alarming. Only those opposed to women’s freedom could write such a textbook. This is part of a larger project to Talibanize the country. We want our children to be educated in a modern and progressive manner, enabling them to contribute equally in all aspects of life,” Pulak added.
What experts say
Education experts and stakeholders have stated that the core objective of the story was to teach children that household responsibilities should not be assigned based on gender and that both men and women should share the workload equally.
The dialogue was structured in a way that promoted gender equality among children, ensuring that they do not develop a mindset of looking down on women.
Gender equality and education experts argue that the revised version assigns household chores solely to female characters, reinforcing the notion that such tasks are exclusively for women. They believe the changes undermine gender equality and encourage gender discrimination among children.
What authorities say
When asked about the changes, NCTB Chairman Professor Dr AKM Riazul Hasan told Bangla Tribune: “The book was revised based on expert recommendations. It is within their jurisdiction, and they are best suited to discuss the matter.”
Despite contacting one of the authors involved in the 2025 revision, Rakhal Raha, Bangla Tribune did not get any comment in this connection.
After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the new administration suspended the implementation of the new curriculum and revised the 2012 curriculum for the 2025 academic year. However, the second-grade Amar Bangla Boi from 2024 was modified and printed as the 2025 textbook.