What SSC results reveal about our schools

The 2025 SSC results have revealed a troubling reality in Bangladesh's education system. With pass rates falling and thousands failing in key subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, serious questions are being raised about teaching quality and the implementation of the new curriculum.

The recently introduced competency-based curriculum was rolled out hastily. Teachers were insufficiently trained, learning materials arrived late, and students were unprepared for unfamiliar exam formats. These challenges were felt most acutely in rural areas, where resources and academic support are already lacking.

Parents and students are growing increasingly frustrated. "My daughter studied hard, but she didn't understand the new question style," said a parent from Rajshahi. Educators fear that without proper support, the reforms may end up doing more harm than good.

This decline in SSC performance is not a one-off issue-it signals a deeper crisis in our approach to education. If these gaps are not addressed urgently, we risk leaving a generation unprepared for higher studies, employment, and the demands of a modern economy.

It is imperative that the government invest in comprehensive teacher training, improve school infrastructure, and ensure the curriculum is clearly understood by both educators and students. Educational reform must be meaningful, inclusive, and responsibly implemented. The future of our children-and our country-depends on it.

Md Nahid Gazi

Dhaka