Major 2027-textbook to be revised with authentic history: NCTB Chairman

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (National Curriculum and Textbook Board) has announced a major revision of school textbooks for the 2027 academic year, promising a broad update of primary and secondary level curricula and the inclusion of what it described as “authentic history.”

In an interview with the state news agency BSS, NCTB Chairman Md. Mahbubul Haque Patwary said the initiative aims to correct long-standing distortions and biased representations in textbooks and present historical facts in a more objective manner.

He said the revision process is being carried out in line with the new government’s election manifesto, with expert committees working to develop a more updated and balanced curriculum.

According to him, accurate accounts of key historical events—including the Liberation War, the 1990 mass uprising, and the 2024 political movement—will be included in the revised textbooks.

The NCTB chief said intensive residential workshops for secondary-level textbook revision were held from May 4 to 7 at the Rural Development Academy in Bogura, while work on primary-level books is ongoing.

He added that around 320 experts, including university professors, education researchers from institutions such as the Institute of Education and Research (IER), and experienced school teachers, are involved in revising 97 secondary and 36 primary textbooks.

The revised textbooks are expected to be finalized and sent for printing by July, with a target to deliver updated books to students at the beginning of 2027. In total, 601 textbooks from primary to Class IX, including English-version materials, are being revised.

As part of the reform, two new experiential learning books will be introduced at the primary level from 2027. A “Sports and Culture” book for Class IV will focus on physical activity and reducing digital addiction, while a pilot “Learning with Happiness” book will be introduced for Class VI to promote joyful learning.

A new technical and vocational education (TVE) book will also be added for Class VI under the technical education board.

The ICT curriculum from Classes VI to X is also being overhauled to incorporate modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

Patwary said the broader reform is aimed at shifting towards an experiential learning-based education system, reducing dependence on textbooks and increasing practical learning opportunities.

He added that while the 2027 revision is underway, a larger curriculum overhaul may be introduced in 2028.

“We believe students will enjoy learning when it becomes engaging and enjoyable, and parents will also support this approach,” he said, expressing hope that students will receive revised, error-free textbooks at the start of 2027.