Languages in Bangladesh

Bangla is the state language under Article 3 of the Constitution of Bangladesh and is used in family life, society, official communication, and education. The National Curriculum Framework 2021 identifies Bangla as the main language of communication and instruction. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) school curriculum combines Bangla with English from primary through higher-secondary education. English For Today and English Grammar and Composition develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing for real-life communication, higher education, work, and international use. Basic English competencies are described in terms comparable to the Common European Framework of Reference, but institutions may set their own requirements. The Ministry of Education, NCTB, the Directorate of Primary Education, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, Education Boards, Bangladesh Open University, the University of Dhaka Institute of Modern Languages, the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training, the Overseas Employment Platform, and the ICT Division support different parts of language learning. Bangladesh also provides minority-language materials for Chakma, Marma, Garo, Tripura, and Sadri in pre-primary and primary education. At secondary level, Language and Culture of Minority Ethnic Groups is available as a subject, but local-language access and teacher coverage vary by region, and a nationwide implementation rate is not established. The National Education Policy 2010 supports mother-language learning and the use of indigenous teachers and texts at primary level. Foreign-language learning is available through short and elementary certificate courses at the University of Dhaka Institute of Modern Languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, and Japanese, with Korean, Persian, or Turkish offered where the current programme provides them. Batches and seats depend on each notice, and an admission test may apply when demand exceeds capacity. Bangladesh Open University’s Certificate in English Language Proficiency accepts applicants with Secondary School Certificate or equivalent qualifications, without a stated age or profession restriction. The programme normally lasts one semester, with a minimum completion period of six months and a maximum of two years, covers two courses and 15 credit hours, and usually starts in January or July. Published fees include Tk 750 plus Tk 800 in course fees and a total programme fee of Tk 2,950 including administration and certificate charges; online charges and a Tk 100 re-examination fee are separate. School English is assessed through the Secondary School Certificate, Higher Secondary Certificate, Dakhil, Alim, and equivalent examination systems, with results available through Education Board portals. Bangladesh Open University examinations and IELTS Academic or General provide additional proficiency options. Sampled IELTS fees were about BDT 28,450 at British Council and BDT 29,600 at IDP, but fees and centre availability change. The institution, employer, or migration authority receiving the result decides the required score and whether a certificate is accepted. For employment and migration, the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training and the Overseas Employment Platform offer an English Language Course for applicants with Secondary School Certificate or equivalent qualifications who are aged 18 to 40. The course is fully online, uses first-come access, allows one language course at a time, and provides a government certificate after completion; the accessible course record does not show a fee or term schedule. Digital options include the government open-learning platform Muktopaath, a Spoken English offering listed by National University, NCTB interactive textbooks including English For Today, and the Her Power English Fundamental Course for women at no fee. Access to devices and reliable connectivity remains a practical constraint, although its nationwide scale is not quantified. Public NCTB textbooks are free, but courses, certificates, examinations, and online services may charge separately. There is no general legal entitlement to every language course, private certificate, or IELTS, and recognition depends on the receiving institution or authority.