Dhaka: Education Adviser Professor Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar today emphasized the urgent need for curriculum reform and the adoption of co-education to make education more practical and life-oriented. Speaking as the chief guest at the prize distribution and concluding ceremony of the ‘National Education Week-2026’ at Osmani Memorial Auditorium, Dr Abrar highlighted the broader purpose of education beyond the mere practice of mathematics or solving complex scientific problems.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Abrar pointed out that the current education system burdens children with books, hindering the development of other skills. He advocated for reducing the focus on books and exams in favor of co-education, which could offer a more holistic development approach. Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division, attended the event as a special guest, while Rehana Parveen, secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education, chaired the function.
Dr Abrar stressed the importance of creating attractive educational environments to draw students toward schools. He also expressed a commitment to reducing disparities between urban and rural schools, emphasizing that equal educational opportunities should be a right for all students. The adviser rejected the notion that only a few schools in particular areas should excel, advocating for uniform development so that talented students from villages and remote areas can also showcase their abilities.
Highlighting the outcomes of the National Education Week competitions, Dr Abrar noted that 57 percent of the winners were female, with women showing dominance in language, composition, and cultural contests. He praised their achievements and called for the elimination of gender discrimination, insisting that evaluations should be based on competence. Drawing from his own experiences, Dr Abrar shared how his classmates motivated him to engage in recitation during his student life.
Concluding his speech, Dr Abrar inspired the students with a recitation of verses from the ‘Bidrohi’ poem by national poet Nazrul Islam, urging them to embrace patriotism and self-respect. The event concluded with the distribution of prizes and certificates to outstanding students, educational institutions, and competition winners from across the country. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Education, teachers’ representatives, and a large number of students.