Textbook Revisions in Bangladesh
The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh has made significant changes to school textbooks, largely affecting the representation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Key Changes
- All content and photographs related to Sheikh Hasina have been removed from textbooks.
- Content on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been reduced, with some parts completely omitted.
- Photographs of Indira Gandhi with Mujibur Rahman have been dropped, though India's role in the 1971 Liberation War is retained in the narrative.
- The old curriculum has been nullified and 441 textbooks revised, with over 40 crore new books printed for the current academic session.
India's Role and Contributions
- References to India's involvement in the Bangladesh Liberation War, particularly the alliance of the Indian Army and Mukti Bahini, remain intact.
- Photographs of the 1971 surrender, such as the surrender of Pakistan to the Indian Army, are still included in textbooks.
- Old misconceptions about the recognition of Bangladesh by India will be corrected in the upcoming editions.
Scaling Down of Mujib's Presence
- New curriculum includes biographies of other significant leaders like Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Huseyn Suhrawardy, and Khaleda Zia.
- Prose and poems specifically glorifying Mujib, such as 'Sonar Chele' and 'Mujib Mane Mukti,' have been removed.
- The narrative that Ziaur Rahman made the first declaration of independence is included, altering the previous representation of Mujib's role.
Focus on Anti-Hasina Protests
- New content highlights the 2024 uprising against Hasina's regime, with essays and photographs of protestors and activists.
- Chapters on the uprising and the roles of women in these movements have replaced older ones focusing on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Future Plans and Revisions
- Further revisions are expected, with plans to extend changes beyond 1971 events in the next academic year.
- Decisions on whether to remove the national flag and song from textbooks entirely are pending.
These revisions reflect a broader attempt to depoliticize the curriculum and represent a more diverse array of historical perspectives.