The "National Education Policy 2010" was adopted by the National Parliament on December 7, 2010. This needs to be lauded because it is for the first time in 40 years, since the independence of Bangladesh that such a policy has been adopted. The policy has accommodated the opinion of people from all walks of society and thus created a new opportunity to achieve the goal of Education for All. Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) has been advocating for such a policy for years and believes that despite having some limitation, the policy is a way forward to make education accessible and equitable for all.

CAMPE believes that the implementation of the NEP requires a concerted effort from all quarters and therefore it is important for the civil society to realize that they too have an important role to play. With this objective CAMPE organized a Mass Gathering and Cultural Program on Jan 1, 2011, also the beginning of the NEW ACADEMIC YEAR in Bangladesh.

The Program held at the Rabindra Sharabar Mancha from 3 to 8 pm at Dhaka was graced by the Hon'ble Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid who reiterated his commitment to ensure the proper implementation of the National Education Policy even if it has to be done in phases and requires more time. He expressed his deep appreciation towards CAMPE and its partners for taking such an initiative to share the messages of the National Education Policy with the common mass and raise their awareness. Hafiz Ahmed Mazumder, MP also expressed solidarity, who assured all of his support.

Other distinguished guests who expressed their solidarity include Dr. Quazi Kholiquzzaman, Chairperson of the Governing Council of Dhaka School of Economics and the Co-chair of the NEP Formulation Committee, Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, Senior Advisor of BRAC University - Institute of Education and Development (BU-IED) and Mostafa Monwar, a renown artist and the Chairperson of Bangladesh Shishu Academy.

The program was participated by thousands of people from all walks life and belonging to different age group.

Celebrated musicians Fahmida Nabi, Shaiyan, Shahed, Kafil Ahmed, Chandana Mazumdar, Ferdaus Ara and Maqsudul Huque enthralled the audience with their music and also conveyed messages to the audience regarding the importance of education for all.
 

The program was aired live by ATN News (a private TV channel). It was also covered by other electronic and print media.

 

Click here to download the theme song of this event.