Bangladesh to expand arts education, expecting 60,000 jobs

Bangladesh is set to significantly expand arts and culture education in primary schools, a move expected to create tens of thousands of new jobs. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced that a new arts and culture textbook for fourth graders will be introduced in 2027, with these subjects becoming a full part of the primary curriculum in 2028.

The government envisions this expansion as a key part of reshaping the education system to align with its election manifesto and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's vision. The goal is to equip students with the skills needed for future careers and to develop them into global citizens. Hajjaj emphasized that integrating music, dance, theatre, fine arts, and sports at the primary level will necessitate a large number of specialized teachers and trainers.

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Over the next five years, around 50,000 to 60,000 new jobs will be created in this sector.

"Over the next five years, around 50,000 to 60,000 new jobs will be created in this sector," Hajjaj stated during a meeting with university educators and experts. He urged universities to collaborate with the ministry on developing proper training programs and linking teacher preparation with university curricula.

Hajjaj stressed that these subjects should be viewed as integral to students' overall development, not merely co-curricular activities. The ministry is actively planning curriculum development and teacher preparation to support this vision. The initiative aims to provide sustainable career pathways in the arts and culture fields, fostering a more well-rounded education system.

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We want to work together on how they can be given proper training, how teacher-preparation components can be linked with university curricula, and how skilled teachers can be developed jointly.