4 new subjects to be introduced next year

Four new subjects will be introduced in Classes IV and VI from the next academic year as part of the government's efforts to reform the country's education system, officials announced on Monday.

The announcement was made at a press conference at the Secretariat, where the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education presented the government's 180-day education programme.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Education and Primary and Mass Education Mahdi Amin said the government would make necessary changes to the existing curriculum as quickly as possible through additions, revisions and modifications.

Under the proposed changes, two new subjects, Sports and Culture will be introduced from Class IV. In addition, students in Class VI will study Technical and Vocational Education and a new subject titled "Learning with Happiness."

Mahdi Amin said all four subjects would be compulsory. He noted that "Learning with Happiness" would not only be taught as a standalone subject but would also promote values-based education aimed at developing students into responsible and ethical citizens. The programme will also include components related to teacher training and modern teaching methods.

The adviser further said the government plans to incorporate a substantial chapter on third-language learning within the existing curriculum framework to enhance students' language skills.

He added that the reforms are being carried out under the direct guidance of the Prime Minister as part of broader efforts to modernise the country's education system.

Responding to questions about the implementation timeline, Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon said a complete curriculum overhaul could not be accomplished within a few months.

He said the current curriculum would first be revised and refined, with updated versions expected to be introduced in 2027. A fully redesigned curriculum is planned for implementation from 2028, with greater emphasis on learning outcomes and practical understanding.

According to the minister, work on preparing the framework for the new curriculum will begin shortly. However, it has not yet been decided whether the curriculum will be introduced across all grades simultaneously or in phases from 2028.

TZ