Social studies education in Bangladesh: contextual influences, reforms and development and curriculum

In this chapter, we discuss social studies education in Bangladesh with a particular focus on contextual influences, its reform and development and the current curriculum policy provision and practices at both primary and secondary levels. We provide an account of the historical development of social studies education from the beginning of Bangladesh when it emerged as an independent country in 1971 after nearly 200 years of British colonial period followed by a quarter century of rule by Pakistan. We highlight historical and subsequent social, political, religious, economic and educational contexts that have influenced social studies education in Bangladesh. The current state of social studies education relating to learning, teaching and assessment in schools and madrasahs and relevant teacher education provision is then examined.