The National Teachers’ Forum has put forward six demands to resolve the ongoing education curriculum crisis.
The forum’s central president, Professor (Retd) Md Nasir Uddin Khan, presented these demands at a discussion meeting organized by the Anti-Discrimination Teachers and Employees Alliance at the Zahir Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club on Saturday.
Their demands include:
Although UNESCO recommends allocating at least 5.5% of GDP for education, the forum demands that at least 3.5% of GDP be allocated. Additionally, 100% of the budgeted funds must be spent with full transparency and accountability.
The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) should be restructured with an equal number of Islamic scholars and general education experts.
A unified education system should be introduced by integrating Madrasa and General Education so that future generations can uphold cultural values while competing globally. To achieve this, a Curriculum Reform Commission must be formed, consisting of Islamic scholars, researchers, and general education experts.
The contributions of Alia and Qawmi Madrasa students to historical events like the July Revolution must be accurately documented in the new curriculum, ensuring the recognition of all students’ and the public’s sacrifices.
Irrelevant images, evolution-related chapters, inappropriate sexual education language, un-Islamic content, and harmful topics must be removed from textbooks.
To prevent brain drain, highly talented individuals leaving for higher studies abroad should be encouraged to serve the nation by offering them competitive salaries and benefits in the education sector.
