Bangladesh’s Academic Reforms: Aligning Education with National Development

Bangladesh is undergoing significant transformations in its academic landscape, aiming to align education with national development goals. Recent policy initiatives and institutional reforms reflect a commitment to enhancing the quality and relevance of education across the country. In the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2025–2026, the government has allocated Tk 95,644 crore to the education sector, marking an increase of Tk 933 crore from the previous year. This allocation underscores the government’s emphasis on strengthening the education system to meet contemporary challenges. Notably, Tk 47,563 crore is designated for secondary and higher education, reflecting a strategic focus on developing human capital for future economic growth.  To modernize and align higher education with global standards, the government has updated curricula in all private universities to follow international standard outcome-based education (OBE) models. This approach emphasizes the development of specific competencies and skills, ensuring that graduates are better prepared for the demands of the modern workforce. In a move to provide students with clearer academic pathways, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has instructed educational institutions to reintroduce science, arts, and business studies streams for students in ninth and tenth grades, according to the National Curriculum established in 2012. This decision aims to offer students more structured options aligned with their interests and career aspirations. The government has approved the establishment of Grameen University in Dhaka, founded by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. This private research university aims to contribute to higher education by focusing on research and innovation. Additionally, plans are underway to establish Dhaka Central University by merging seven prominent national government colleges, aiming to improve administration and academic management. Bangladesh is strengthening international academic ties, as evidenced by Japan’s announcement of a $1.063 billion support package, which includes $4.2 million in grants for scholarships for Bangladeshi students. The goal of this program is to improve opportunities for learning and encourage worldwide academic partnerships. The suggested budget focuses mainly on education that leads to jobs, offering increased bonuses and additional payments for teachers listed on the MPO, while also working on strengthening human resources in every level of education. with initiatives to enhance bonuses and provide gratuity for MPO-listed teachers, alongside broader efforts to develop human resources across all tiers of education. These measures aim to ensure that education contributes directly to employment and economic development. Bangladesh’s recent academic reforms and policy initiatives reflect a concerted effort to align education with national development objectives. By increasing budget allocations, modernizing curricula, establishing new institutions, and fostering international collaborations, the country is laying the groundwork for a more robust and responsive education system. These efforts are crucial for equipping the nation’s youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.