Primary Education to Be Extended Up to Grade 8: Government Announces Major Policy Shift

The government of Bangladesh has announced a major policy shift in the country’s education system, stating that primary education will be extended up to Grade 8 in phases.
 

The announcement was made by Primary and Mass Education State Minister Bobi Hajjaj during a programme held at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital Dhaka on Wednesday.

The minister said the government aims to gradually implement free education for children aged 4 to 13, expanding the current primary education structure to include higher grades up to Class Eight.
 

He noted that several government primary schools had previously operated up to Grade 8, but the model was later discontinued in many institutions. The current administration now plans to reintroduce and standardise the extended structure across the system in phases.
 

Bobi Hajjaj also highlighted ongoing challenges in the education sector, including legal and administrative complications affecting thousands of teachers. He said that more than 6,000 teachers’ appointments remain stalled due to pending cases, while over 32,000 headmaster positions are also affected by legal disputes.
 

In addition, he mentioned that recruitment processes for around 14,000 new teachers had been initiated under the previous interim arrangements, but verification procedures were still ongoing, delaying final appointments.
 

The minister stressed the need for a comprehensive policy overhaul, stating that reforms must consider the concerns of over 400,000 teachers across the country. He emphasized that stakeholder consensus is essential for sustainable changes in the education system.
 

Officials say the proposed expansion aims to improve access to education, strengthen foundational learning, and reduce drop-out rates, although implementation details and timelines are expected to be announced in later phases.