Let's work together: call to rethink faith and futures

Assalamu Alaikum and heartfelt greetings to my World Pulse sisters and global changemakers,

Today, I’m humbled to share a new chapter of my journey — a research initiative that I believe holds the power to reshape lives and futures.

After completing my first academic research on non-formal education policy in Bangladesh — which has been formally accepted and is soon to be published in an international journal — I find myself standing at a new starting point. That experience opened my eyes to the deep educational inequalities that continue to affect millions of students in my country.

Now, I am stepping into a new and deeply sensitive area of research: Religious Education Policy Reform in Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, more than 4 million students are currently enrolled in religious education systems. Among them, approximately 1.4 million study in Qawmi madrasas — institutions that operate entirely outside the formal education structure. While they provide invaluable religious knowledge, these systems often lack pathways to higher education, employment, or skill development. This creates a critical gap — not in faith, but in future opportunities.

My research, based on secondary data, aims to address this gap. I don’t come with all the answers, but I come with important questions:

How can we preserve religious identity while also preparing students for modern challenges?

What can we learn from countries that have successfully integrated religious education with vocational or mainstream systems?

Most importantly, how do we give these young people hope — and the tools — for a better future?

This is not just a research paper. It is a call to rethink faith and futures — to design an inclusive education model that honors tradition while embracing transformation.

Yes, it’s a challenging path. But if we don’t stand now for these children, when will we? If we don’t raise our voices to reform outdated systems, who will?

To my sisters across the world: I need your wisdom, your experiences, your stories. How does your country bridge religious education with employment or social inclusion? What challenges and breakthroughs have you witnessed?

Let’s build a network of ideas, rooted in empathy and shared purpose. Because every child — regardless of where they study — deserves a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope.

With faith, courage, and commitment,

Mosfeka Zannat Nishat

Researcher | Development Practitioner | Co-Founder, Sombhabona

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