Rethinking Faith and Futures: A Research Initiative to Reform Religious Education Policy

Rethinking Faith and Futures: A Research Initiative to Reform Religious Education Policy in Bangladeshl

As an education and development professional deeply invested in social transformation, I am launching a research initiative focused on reforming the Religious Education Policy in Bangladesh—an issue long overlooked but urgently in need of change.

Why This Research?

In Bangladesh, more than 1.4 million students are currently enrolled in religious education institutions, particularly Qawmi and Alia madrasas. While these institutions serve important cultural and spiritual purposes, they are increasingly disconnected from real-life skills, critical thinking, and employment pathways. Many students graduate with limited access to mainstream job markets, leading to rising frustration, marginalization, and, in some cases, manipulation by extremist groups.

The Need for Policy Reform

Despite broader reforms in the national education system, religious education remains largely unreformed—lacking skilled teachers, structured curricula aligned with modern needs, and bridges to livelihood opportunities. It is time we stop treating this sector as “separate” or “sensitive” and instead integrate it into our national development framework with respect and vision.

What This Initiative Aims to Do:

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to assess the current state of religious education institutions in Bangladesh.
• Analyze existing government policies, curriculum structures, and graduate outcomes from religious schools.
• Engage with students, teachers, parents, religious scholars, and policymakers to understand the systemic challenges.
• Explore models from other Muslim-majority countries that have successfully modernized religious education without compromising values.
• Develop policy recommendations and advocacy tools to push for inclusive, employment-linked, and humane reforms.

A Gender Lens

Girls in religious education often face double marginalization—first from poverty and then from lack of opportunity after graduation. This research will specifically include their voices and explore how policy reform can empower women through religious education aligned with rights, dignity, and livelihood.

Call for Collaboration

I am seeking mentors, researchers, educators, and policy advocates—especially those who understand the intersection of faith, education, and development—to join hands in shaping this research. I also welcome feedback from grassroots voices, especially those who have studied in or worked with madrasa systems.