Bangladesh is set to expand arts and culture education in primary schools with the introduction of a new Class 4 textbook from 2027, alongside broader curriculum reforms aimed at strengthening creative learning and future job skills.
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said the initiative is aligned with the government’s election manifesto and the education vision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting held at the ministry, which focused on expanding music, dance and cultural education in primary schools, curriculum development and teacher training.
Teachers and experts from departments of music, dance, drama and fine arts from various public universities participated in the discussion, along with senior ministry officials.
The minister said the reform would help develop students into global citizens while equipping them with skills relevant to future employment opportunities. He added that the expansion of arts, culture and sports-based education at the primary level would create strong demand for trained professionals in these fields.
According to him, this initiative could generate around 50,000 to 60,000 new jobs over the next five years, particularly for graduates in music, dance, fine arts, drama and sports disciplines.
Bobby Hajjaj also sought cooperation from universities, urging them to prepare students for future recruitment as primary school teachers. He said the government aims to ensure that music, drama and dance are not treated merely as extracurricular activities, but as core elements of students’ overall development.
He added that alongside curriculum reform, steps are being taken to develop a pool of qualified teachers to support implementation.
The meeting was attended by the ministry’s Secretary Md Sakhwat Hoosain and chairpersons of relevant departments from 24 universities, along with other officials.
According to ministry plans, the Arts and Culture textbook for Grade 4 will include four chapters covering fine and applied arts, music, dance and drama, and will later be fully integrated into the national curriculum in 2028.
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