DHAKA : With a view to moving students away from the conventional, rote-learning, and exam-centric mindset, four new textbooks will be introduced for two classes in the primary and secondary levels for the 2027 academic year to educate students with life-oriented and skill-based learning experience.

Developed by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), these books are designed to promote the physical and mental development of students, instill moral values, nurture creative thinking, and enhance practical, real-world skills. The new textbooks include "Sports" and "Culture of Bangladesh" for Class-IV, and "Learning with Happiness" and "My Technical Education" for Class-VI.

According to official sources, the NCTB has taken an initiative to incorporate these four new textbooks into the curriculum, guided by the 15-year vision, extensive research, and directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aimed at making the education system more joyful, practical, and grounded in moral values.

Talking to BSS, Prime Minister's Adviser for Education and Primary and Mass Education Mahdi Amin said, "For decades, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has drawn upon his political experience and comprehensive planning to reform the state structure. As part of this, he has focused on essential reforms within the education sector. He has worked for many years to transform the education system into one that is joyful, practical, and rooted in moral values."

He said these new textbooks are a direct reflection of the Prime Minister's vision, experience, and research regarding the education system, while the premier has prioritised four specific areas: 'Sports', 'Culture of Bangladesh', 'Learning with Happiness', and 'My Technical Education'.

Mahdi Amin said, "Based on my experience working directly with the Prime Minister on this matter over the past 15 years, I have come to understand his vision: he wants the education system to instill human values, social etiquette, family culture, and the qualities of a good citizen in students."

Simultaneously, he said, the premier envisions an education system that fosters employment opportunities.

Consequently, following the election victory, the NCTB was tasked - under the Prime Minister's directives - with advancing this initiative, he said.

To this end, the adviser said, the NCTB formed a team that includes individuals who assisted the Prime Minister in formulating these policies. Furthermore, several distinguished educators, who are involved in various aspects of the educational landscape, are participating in ongoing consultations and meetings to help realise the Prime Minister's vision, he said.

According to NCTB officials, these new textbooks are set to transform the learning methods and experiences of the new generation. The books are expected to receive final approval during the National Curriculum Coordination Committee meeting tomorrow (October 25). The NCTB has indicated that about 1.5 crore copies of these four textbooks will be printed.

NCTB Chairman Professor Mohammed Fakhrul Mawla said the drafting and validation of the manuscripts for these four new textbooks have been successfully completed. Once approved at the NCC meeting on October 25, the content will be sent to the press for printing, he added.

The framework for these books was presented during a high-level workshop involving four ministries at the International Mother Language Institute on July 12. Subsequently, the final manuscripts were developed with the input of experts and educators.

NCTB Member (Textbook) Professor Mohammad Abu Nasher Tuku said all preparations for printing the four new textbooks are at the final stages.

"Following the final approval from the NCC committee, we expect to complete the printing of about 1.5 crore copies by December 15," he added.

Sports: A healthy lifestyle, self-defense techniques

According to the NCTB, the Class-IV textbook 'Sports' has been developed with careful consideration for the age and mental development of the students. Organised into 14 dynamic chapters, the book aims to foster an interest in a healthy lifestyle and sports participation from a young age.

The textbook presents the fundamental principles of various sports like football, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, swimming, athletics, and chess in a simple manner. Additionally, it introduces self-defense disciplines like karate, judo, and taekwondo to help students enhance their physical fitness and learn protective techniques.

Besides, the book uses practical illustrations to demonstrate how to respond to common incidents that may occur on the sports field or while running, such as cuts, sprains, nosebleeds, or heatstroke. Students will learn - through hands-on instruction - how to use first-aid supplies and employ strategies to prevent injuries. Beyond sports, the content also emphasises nutrition, social skills, and the cultivation of patriotism.

Fakhrul Mawla said the book 'Sports' (Kheladhula) has been developed for the first time, with a special focus on ensuring that students' studies do not become one-dimensional or tedious.

Culture of Bangladesh: traditions, values, and 'Notun Kuri'
According to the NCTB officials, the book 'Culture of Bangladesh' (Bangladesher Sanskriti) has been developed in 11 chapters to introduce the country's rich history, heritage, and folk culture to young students. It uses vibrant illustrations to depict language, attire, arts, food culture, social customs, and the traditional lifestyles of various ethnic minority groups.

The book covers topics such as practicing the Bangla alphabet, school festivals, the hoisting of the national flag, and the tradition of making 'pitha-puli' (traditional cakes/delicacies). It also highlights modern aspects of family life, including joint decision-making by parents and mutual cooperation in household chores. Furthermore, a special chapter is dedicated to the history of 'Notun Kuri' - a popular talent-scouting programme for children and adolescents - detailing its inception in 1976 by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and featuring rare photographs of the winners.

Learning with happiness: A fear-free and joyful educational philosophy
The NCTB officials said the book 'Learning with Happiness', designed for Class-VI students for the upcoming academic year, consists of 6 chapters. It embodies a philosophy aimed at making education fear-free and highly enjoyable - a new concept and curriculum being introduced into the Bangladeshi education system.

Instead of relying on the conventional examination system, the book explores how knowledge can be acquired through joyful experiences, interpersonal interaction, and various co-curricular activities. It will significantly lighten the academic burden. Through this approach, students will be able to achieve learning outcomes in an engaging and pleasant manner, drawing upon their own health, their surrounding environment, and their daily life experiences.

The officials said this book will help students understand that learning is not merely about rote memorisation or preparing for examinations. In fact, it is also possible to learn through one's own life, health, environment, safety, creativity, interpersonal relationships, and daily experiences.

My Technical Education: small Initiatives, great potential
Class-VI textbook, 'My Technical Education' (Amar Karigori Shikkha) is structured into eight chapters. It aims to foster a habit of hands-on learning and a problem-solving mindset among students to help them face the challenges of the 21st century. The core pedagogical philosophy is to move beyond the theoretical focus of 'what I know' and instead empower students to become self-reliant in terms of 'what I can do'.

The textbook will lay a solid foundation for identifying real-life technical challenges - covering topics such as an introduction to technical education, technology and the new world, small initiatives with great potential, the idea that those who build also bring change, and green technology and sustainable living - while seeking fundamental solutions through the effective use of technology. 

Mahdi Amin said the subjects of sports and culture, which begin in Class-IV, will be introduced in the upcoming academic year and subsequently expanded to cover Class-I to Class-V. 

Meanwhile, he said, 'Learning with Happiness' and 'Technical Education' will be integrated into the curriculum for all classes from Class-VI to X.

NCTB member (Curriculum) Prof Dr AK M Shawkat Ali Khan said: "With the introduction of these four new textbooks, students will have the opportunity to move beyond rote, book-based learning and acquire practical, skill-oriented knowledge in a joyful environment."