Osman Hadi Not to Be Included in New Textbooks

The story of Shariful Osman Bin Hadi will not be included in the school textbooks for the upcoming 2027 academic year. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), the government body responsible for printing and distributing free textbooks, finalized its core plans in its latest high-level meeting, where the inclusion of Martyr Osman Hadi was not on the agenda. A decision regarding whether his story will be added to the 2028 curriculum will be made down the line by the relevant planning and subject-specific committees.

While Hadi's story remains excluded for now, several major revisions are being introduced to next year's textbooks. As part of these changes, the Secondary (Class 9–10) Bengali Literature textbook will feature new lessons based on two essays written by the late President Ziaur Rahman: 'Ekti Jatir Janma' (Birth of a Nation) and 'Shadhinota Juddhor Sriti' (Memories of the Liberation War).

Furthermore, the biographies and contributions of both late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia are being integrated alongside the four national leaders in the 'Amader Shoronio Neta' (Our Memorable Leaders) chapter of the Class 5 Primary Social Science (Bangladesh o Bishwaporichoy) textbook. However, Osman Hadi's name will not be included in this section either.

Speaking to The Daily Campus, Professor Dr. Md. Iqbal Haider, a member of the Primary Curriculum Wing at NCTB, stated, "The editing process for the primary school textbooks for the upcoming academic year is 100% complete. Now that our editorial work is finished, the subsequent printing phases will begin. The story of Martyr Osman Hadi is definitely not being included in the Class 5 Social Science textbook for the 2027 academic year."

When asked about the possibility of its inclusion in the 2028 academic session, he explained, "The primary curriculum is set to undergo a radical restructuring starting from 2028. At that time, the planning committee and the respective subject committees will decide which topics will be added or omitted. Our primary responsibility is the editing of the textbooks. We operate and execute tasks strictly based on the directives handed down to us by higher authorities."

According to sources within the NCTB, there is a preliminary plan to feature Shariful Osman Bin Hadi in the 2028 Class 5 Bengali textbook under the chapter 'Amra Tomader Bhulbo Na' (We Shall Not Forget You), following the exact layout and format used to present historical figures and martyrs like Titumir, Pritilata Waddedar, Noor Hossain, Abu Sayed, and Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho. However, the final authority to approve this layout rests entirely with the designated subject committee.

Professor Dr. Md. Iqbal Haider further noted, "Out of the primary curriculum spanning Classes 1 to 5, the editing of 36 textbooks has been fully wrapped up. However, editorial work remains outstanding for two new textbooks announced by the government for Class 4. A comprehensive plan has been set in motion to finalize the entire operational framework for these two remaining books by August 10."