Controversy Erupts Over LGBTQ+ Themes in Bangladesh’s 2026 English Textbook for 9th-10th Grade

A significant controversy has emerged in Bangladesh surrounding the "English for Today" textbook for classes 9 and 10, published for the academic year 2026. The textbook’s first unit, titled "Sense of Self," has sparked heated debate, with critics alleging that it subtly introduces and normalizes concepts related to LGBTQ+ identities.

The main point of contention is an illustration featured on the first page of the unit. Investigative reports from some online outlets claim that a reverse image search traces the picture to a blog post from 2020 on a site called "Recovery in the Bin," which is described as promoting LGBTQ+ content. Critics argue that the inclusion of this image, sourced from the internet, is not accidental and reflects a broader ideological agenda.

Further scrutiny has been directed at the literary excerpt within the unit, a piece titled "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid. Critics point out the author’s known support for feminist and LGBTQ+ causes and her public writings about her gay brother. They argue that the inclusion of Kincaid’s work in the curriculum, along with discussion questions challenging biological definitions of gender, serves to normalize LGBTQ+ perspectives. One of the questions references a well-known quote by Simone de Beauvoir, “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman,” a statement frequently cited in transgender and feminist discussions.

The controversy gained significant attention in early January 2026 through social media, with commentators and relatives of political figures raising concerns that such content could lead to an "identity crisis" among young students. They argue that the material contradicts Islamic teachings and traditional family structures in Bangladesh. Some critics have even linked the publication of the textbook to the tenure of certain governmental advisors, citing past controversies.

As of now, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has yet to issue an official statement addressing the specific allegations. The debate continues to unfold, with discussions on social media and public platforms intensifying. This issue highlights the deep cultural divide over the integration of global influences into national educational content, and the challenges in defining the boundaries of identity discussions in Bangladesh's curriculum.