Textbook review and revision committee abolished

The coordination committee constituted for review and revision of all textbooks prepared by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has been abolished.

This information was obtained through an order signed by Senior Assistant Secretary of Secondary and Higher Secondary Department of the Ministry of Education Md Yanur Rahman.

The order did not say anything about the exact reason for the cancellation of this committee. However, according to various sources, the previous Awami League government added some subjects in the secondary and higher secondary level textbooks which raised controversy. In particular, several chapters of these books are alleged to have anti-cultural and religious values ​​of the country. A 11-member committee of 11 headed by Dr. Kh M Kabirul Islam, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education was formed on September 15 to review these issues. The committee already held two meetings regarding the issue.

There were some controversies over the political identity and anti-religious attitude of some members of the committee. Some Islamist organizations demand the inclusion of members from religious experts and ulama on the committee. On this demand, marches, gatherings and siege programs started to be held. In view of the demands of these organizations, the committee was suddenly canceled today in the midst of thinking about the reorganization. A senior official of the Ministry of Education declined to comment when asked about the matter.