Year
2026
Reform Domain
Manifesto Watch
Education
Source of Reform Proposals
Election Manifesto of Bangladesh Nationalist Party - BNP
Reform Proposed
Reform Initiated
Legal and Policy Framework
Operationalisation
Action Implementation
Stage of Implementation
Reform Proposed
Last Update: 10-Sep-26
This pledge has been articulated in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) election manifesto for Bangladesh’s 13th National Election. The manifesto stated that "To develop students into thoughtful individuals, sports such as football, cricket, and swimming, along with cultural subjects such as music, dance and drama, will be included in the curriculum."
Reform Initiated
Last Update: 10-Sep-26
In February 2026, the Ministry of Education reportedly announced a 12-point education reform agenda that spotlighted sports, cultural activities, and moral education as part of efforts to promote students’ holistic development. According to an official letter issued on 25 March by the Secondary and Higher Education Division (SHED), the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) was directed to include 7 sports (football, cricket, chess, karate, volleyball, badminton, athletics, and swimming) in the new curriculum. By May 2026, NCTB officials indicated that curriculum content and textbook preparation were being developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders. The NCTB chairman also announced that a “Sports and Culture” subject would be introduced for Grade 4 and “Learning with Happiness” for Grade 6 students.
On 11 June, 2026, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MOPME) and the NCTB had consultations with teachers, education specialists, and cultural practitioners regarding curriculum content, textbook preparation, and implementation arrangements for Sports and Culture education. Discussions covered the inclusion of music, dance, drama, fine arts, and sports-related content in future textbooks and learning materials.
On 11 June, 2026, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MOPME) and the NCTB had consultations with teachers, education specialists, and cultural practitioners regarding curriculum content, textbook preparation, and implementation arrangements for Sports and Culture education. Discussions covered the inclusion of music, dance, drama, fine arts, and sports-related content in future textbooks and learning materials.
Legal and Policy Framework
Last Update: 10-Sep-26
On 6 July, 2026, Bangladesh's Directorate of Madrasa Education made daily assemblies and sports activities compulsory in all madrasas as part of efforts to promote students' physical well-being. A directive issued by the directorate noted that the initiative aims to help build a healthy and energetic younger generation capable of contributing to a prosperous Bangladesh. However, the other segments are expected to take further action in view of this.
Observation
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The pledge is expected to see further progress as curriculum and textbook revisions take place in the coming days. Besides, it may be noted that the government has also launched Notun Kuri Sports, a nationwide talent-identification programme which may be seen as complementary to the pledge’s broader objective of increasing children’s participation in sports. Another similar initiative was announced by the Education Minister: the Prime Minister’s Gold Cup National Football Tournament 2026, which is expected to involve more than 1.6 crore students from 40,231 educational institutions nationwide.