In keeping with tradition, students across primary and secondary levels in the country will receive newly revised textbooks on the first day of the new academic year.
The updated books, enriched with illustrations and events from the historic July Uprising alongside other pivotal moments in the nation's history, have already been distributed to educational institutions.
The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) said that approximately 401.6 million new textbooks have been printed this year. Among these, around 96.4 million are designated for pre-primary to fifth-grade students, while 309.6 million are for secondary levels, including madrasa education. Each textbook embodies the spirit of the people's participation in the July uprising, symbolizing the unity and resilience of the Bangladeshi people.
The covers of the new books feature symbolic graffiti from the July uprising, representing unity and the struggles of the masses. Additionally, the books highlight the contributions of unsung heroes behind the country's 1971 Liberation War.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, NCTB officials revealed plans for broader revisions and reorganization of textbooks in the future to enhance their scope and quality. The revised textbooks include significant updates in the history and literature sections, aiming to inspire students with an accurate and inclusive account of the nation's past.
These updates, featuring enriched narratives and symbolic imagery, reflect the government's commitment to preserving historical accuracy while inspiring a new generation with the legacy of resilience and sacrifice, officials added.
Historic themes and key content updates
The covers of the revised textbooks display graffiti inspired by the July Uprising, depicting solidarity and the masses' struggles. Inside, the books honor the sacrifices of unsung heroes from the 1971 Liberation War.
Anonymously speaking with Dhaka Tribune, NCTB officials shared that further comprehensive revisions are planned to enhance the textbooks' quality and scope. For instance, the fifth-grade Bengali textbook now includes tributes to the martyrs of the July uprising and other significant historical struggles.
A new chapter in the “Bangladesh and World Introduction” textbook highlights the contributions of national leaders, including Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the four national leaders. Previously, the book featured only Bangabandhu and the four leaders.
The revised textbooks provide detailed accounts of the Liberation War. For example, a section on "Pakistani Military Atrocities" states:
“…The Pakistani military named their attack ‘Operation Searchlight.’ On that night, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested. On March 26, Major Ziaur Rahman declared independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chittagong, followed by another declaration on behalf of Bangabandhu on March 27. Thus, the Liberation War began.”
This replaces earlier narratives, which inaccurately claimed that Bangabandhu declared independence in the early hours of March 26 before his arrest.
From the third grade onward, textbooks now include graffiti showcasing national unity and key historical events from 1952 to 2024. Stories of bravery during the July Uprising are incorporated as narratives for students in grades six through ten.
Tributes to July uprising martyrs
The fifth-grade Bengali textbook, My Bengali Book, introduces six new essays and poems. One of them, titled We Will Never Forget You, honors martyrs like Abu Sayeed and Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho, along with others who sacrificed their lives during the July uprising.
The essay pays homage to sacrifices spanning 200 years, from Titumir’s resistance against British rule to the July uprising. According to NCTB, these revisions aim to present an unbiased history, free from distortions, and duly acknowledge contributions by leaders such as Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Tajuddin Ahmad, and late President Ziaur Rahman, including Zia's declaration of independence in March 1971.
One notable change involves relocating the guidelines for the national flag and anthem, previously on the second page of Bengali books, to the last page.
Commenting on these updates, NCTB Chairman AKM Riazul Islam remarked, “The July graffiti featured in these books carries universal appeal and inspires dreams. For example, the fifth-grade Bengali book includes the essay We Will Never Forget You. Similarly, English textbooks feature articles on these themes.”
He further highlighted, “We have emphasized Major Ziaur Rahman’s fearless declarations of independence on March 26 and 27, as well as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s March 7 speech, which prepared the nation for freedom.”
Prof Abdus Salam from Dhaka University’s Institute of Education and Research emphasized the need for a curriculum aligned with national values and consistent over the years. He also stressed the importance of durable, high-quality printing to ensure the longevity of the textbooks.
