Staff Correspondent

Government representatives, development partners, UN agencies, NGOs, INGOs, academia, and education experts gathered today for a policy seminar titled "Primary Curriculum Development in Bangladesh: Reflecting on the Reform Journey Together" to evaluate the country's curriculum reform trajectory and formulate actionable recommendations for future primary education.

Organized by Plan International Bangladesh, the seminar served as an evidence-based dialogue platform, bringing together diverse stakeholders to share insights and explore strategies for building an inclusive, relevant, and future-ready primary education system.

The event was graced by Bobby Hajjaj, State Minister for the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, who attended as the chief guest on Wednesday.

The program featured a presentation by Plan International Bangladesh titled "Shaping Quality Primary Education: Journey Towards High-Quality Curriculum Resources for Every Child," followed by an expert panel discussion and interactive stakeholder dialogue. Discussions centered on ensuring that curriculum reforms remain evidence-based, capitalize on existing strengths, and address shifting learning needs. Participants emphasized the necessity of fostering foundational learning, critical thinking, creativity, communication, and future competencies, while ensuring inclusivity for children from diverse backgrounds, including those in climate-vulnerable and emergency-affected regions.

Addressing the seminar, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj said, "Primary education is the foundation of every child's future. As society continues to evolve, the curriculum must remain relevant, student-centred and responsive to children's changing needs. Beyond academic knowledge, it should equip children with critical thinking, life skills and practical competencies while promoting inclusive schools where learning, sports and culture go hand in hand. This vision can only be realised through strong collaboration between the government, development partners and all education stakeholders."

The seminar underscored that effective curriculum reform encompasses the broader educational ecosystem. An expert panel discussion featured Rasheda K. Chowdhury, Executive Director of the Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE); Syeda Sazia Zaman, Programme Head and Research Lead at BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BRAC IED); Md. Abdur Rahim, Additional Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE); Farid Ahmed, Director General of the National Academy for Primary Education (NAPE); Mohammad Golam Kibria, Team Leader (Human Capital) and Education Adviser at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO); and Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh.

The panelists highlighted the critical need for alignment between curriculum design, teacher professional development, quality learning materials, classroom practices, and assessment frameworks to elevate learning outcomes. They also stressed the importance of an inclusive, competency-driven curriculum that imparts essential knowledge, values, and skills for an interconnected world.

The seminar concluded with a renewed pledge from government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and education specialists to sustain collaborative efforts aimed at reinforcing Bangladesh's primary education framework and advancing equitable, high-quality learning for all children.