BIIT demands ‘Education Reform Commission’

A think tank organization the Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thoughts (BIIT) demanded to formation of an ‘Education Reform Commission’ immediately. The BIIT demanded this from a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity’s (DRU’s) Nasrul Hamid Auditorium on Monday.

At the press conference, the keynote speech was presented by academician, researcher and educational entrepreneur Dr M Abdul Aziz. The also presented the outline of the overall development of the education system.
In his speech, Dr Aziz, , Director General of BIIT, said since independence of Bangladesh, the ruling quarter had applied various education policies which were one kind of impose of their will on the people.

The values, culture and philosophy of the nation were absent in these policies. As a result, they have spent the state money in the name of reform of the educational curriculum.

After the fall of fascist regime on August 5, new windows were open in front of the nation with hope and reform in various sectors, he said, further adding that the new chapter of Bangladesh is being called ‘Bangladesh 2.0’ where along with others the reform of education is getting the most priorities.

In the aim of building a strong nation and a dreamy generation for the future of Bangladesh, an effective and time-befitting education should be introduced in the country, he read.

The ‘Education Policy-2010’ where humanity, logic, secularism and patriotism were key components, did not implement an outdated education system where there is no connection with our social and cultural values, he said.
Dr Aziz said although the 2012 National Reform Strategy emphasizes moral education, its implementation has not been successful.

The National Curriculum Framework launched in 2021 has also failed due to lack of foresight and anti-ethnic elements. Apart from this, a critical review of the Revised Strategic Action Plan (2018-2030) adopted by the previous government for higher education is also required.

In such a situation, it is the responsibility of all of us to build an educated, moral, and skilled generation by restructuring the education system in the new chapter of “Bangladesh 2.0”.

He said that even though many education policies and plans have been formulated to improve the education system of Bangladesh since independence, in most cases, it has been an attempt to impose the thinking and consciousness of the ruling group on the common people.

These policies do not give due importance to the culture, values, and philosophy of the country. As a result, the education system is on the verge of collapse due to arbitrary changes in curriculum, wastage of public funds, and ineffective decisions, he pointed out.

On the basis of long-term research and review, he highlighted several recommendations for education reform from BIIT, a private research institute and think tank affiliated with the US Muslim Scholars Association.
To this end, on the basis of long-term research and review, the Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT), a private research institute and think tank, presents 25 recommendations for educational reform. Their recommendations relate to education policy, curriculum, teacher training, assessment, and management.