Arts & Music Added to Primary Curriculum in Bangladesh

The government has announced a major curriculum reform aimed at strengthening creativity and the overall development of primary school students. Music, drama, dance, and arts & crafts will be gradually introduced into primary education.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced the initiative during a meeting at the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education on Wednesday (June 10).

According to ministry sources, a new textbook titled "Art and Culture" will be introduced for fourth-grade students from 2027. The book will include four sections: arts & crafts, music, dance, and drama.

The government plans to expand these subjects further and integrate them fully into the primary curriculum by 2028.

The initiative aligns with the government's broader education vision of developing students into skilled, creative, and globally competitive citizens. Officials believe that greater exposure to arts, culture, and creative activities will support students' intellectual, emotional, and social development.

The reform could also create significant employment opportunities. According to the State Minister, primary schools will require a large number of specialized teachers and trainers as the new subjects are introduced. The government estimates that between 50,000 and 60,000 new jobs could be created over the next five years.

Graduates in music, dance, fine arts, and drama are expected to benefit most from the initiative. Discussions are underway with universities to develop teacher-training and preparatory modules that would help graduates from these disciplines qualify for primary teaching positions.

Education experts say the move could encourage creativity in classrooms and mark an important step forward in modernizing Bangladesh's primary education system.