Modernization Of Madrasah Education In Bangladesh: A New Approach For Future Development

Abstract

The role of Madras education in Muslim communities is significant in developing nations. In Bangladesh, madrasahs (a place of Islamic theological education) are playing vital role in socioeconomic development. The approach to an Islamic education received in madrasah in the contemporary Muslim nations is criticized for its so call conservatives and stagnancy. More importantly, the incident of 9/11 Terrorists’ Bombing of WTC in U.S.A has led to intense attacks and criticisms on the madrasah system in the Muslim countries. Madrasah education in Bangladesh is a parallel system of mainstream general education. Within it, there are two streams of madrasahs covering primary, secondary as well as higher levels- the AÑliya madrasahs that broadly follow the national school curriculum together with religious lessons and are recognized by the government and receive government subvention, and qaumi madrasahs (non government schools) that do not follow the national school curriculum but focus more on religious teachings without receiving any government subventions. This paper intends to discuss about the historical background of madrasah education in Bangladesh, and what are the problems and the challenges in the way of modernization from the present context. This paper also aims to look into a new approach to make madrasah education productive and innovative. Finally, the paper will suggest possible actions to enhance the country’s madrasah education system for future development