Textbooks to call Ziaur Rahman 'Proclaimer of Independence', include Sayed-Mugdho stories

In the Bangladesh and Global Studies textbooks for grades 6 to 9, Ziaur Rahman is now acknowledged as the "Proclaimer of Independence," with his declaration included in the curriculum. Additionally, the stories of Abu Sayeed and Mugdha, who lost their lives during the July revolution, are being integrated. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has announced that the revised draft of these updates is complete and is expected to be finalized next week. NCTB Chairman Professor Riazul Hasan commented on the revisions, stating, “Certain historical aspects were previously underrepresented, and some contributions were overly emphasized or glorified. This revision seeks to give each element its rightful place.” Moreover, the contributions of Abu Sayeed and Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha, who were martyred during the anti-discrimination student movement, will also be included in the secondary-level Bengali literature books. Some book covers or sections will showcase anti-dictatorship graffiti or wall art. Additionally, there is a plan to remove Sheikh Hasina's photograph and quotes from the back pages of the textbooks, replacing them with timeless quotes.