A new curriculum for primary and secondary education will be introduced from 2028, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said today.

The minister made the announcement at a press conference in the Secretariat.

Milon said the government could not introduce the new curriculum from 2027 because of time constraints. "We are moving towards the new curriculum from 2028," he said.

He said a committee had been formed to prepare the curriculum.

Asked whether the new curriculum would be introduced in all classes -- from 1 to 10, the minister said changes would be made where necessary. "We will do whatever needs to be done within 2028. We cannot delay it. That is our mission," he said, adding that the curriculum would be updated to meet present-day needs.

At the press conference, Prime Minister's Adviser on Education Affairs, Mahdi Amin, said the curriculum would give importance to culture and sports alongside textbook-based learning.

"We want to bring co-curricular activities into the education system," Mahdi said.

He also said technical and professional education would be made mandatory in the education system.

According to Mahdi, technical and professional education would be introduced from class 6, initially in theoretical form and later through practical learning.

The adviser said the overall education system would focus on developing students' intellect, creativity and personal interests.

He said the curriculum would also include moral education, family education, social values and skills needed for future employment, entrepreneurship and jobs at home and abroad.

Mahdi said teachers should guide students through friendly behaviour and help them grow into good citizens.

Minister Milon said the government plans to encourage students to learn a third language, depending on their education stream and future needs.

Explaining the plan, he said an English-medium student may have English as the first language and Bangla as the second, while a madrasa student may have Arabic as the first language and Bangla as the second.

In such cases, students would be encouraged to choose another globally relevant language as a third language, he said.

Milon said the aim is to help Bangladeshi students compete internationally and turn the country's large population into skilled human resources.

He said the government may consider support, including student loans, for highly qualified students pursuing third-language learning.

Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque presented information on the HSC and equivalent examinations at the press conference.