Picture a generation of bright, eager students trapped in a system that rewards memorisation over imagination. Seems familiar, doesn’t it? In Bangladesh, the education landscape is a relic of the past, where grades reign supreme and creativity is stifled. While the world races forward, embracing innovation and adaptability, our schools cling to outdated practices that prioritise test scores over real-life skills. As students are groomed for exams rather than empowered to explore their passions, we must confront a crucial question -- are we truly preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow, or merely conditioning them to fit a mold that no longer exists?

Sadly, the education system in Bangladesh has its roots in colonial practices, where the British established schools primarily to serve administrative needs. The focus was on creating a workforce that could facilitate colonial governance rather than fostering independent thought or creativity. This legacy persisted even after independence in 1971.

Take a look inside today’s classrooms, and it’s hard to ignore the eerie resemblance to an outdated factory model: students sit in rigid, straight rows, told to keep quiet unless spoken to, with short breaks and a tight schedule dictating their every move. It’s as if schools aren’t shaping curious minds, they’re molding compliant followers. Students are being conditioned to take orders rather than think for themselves, while those at the top -- the wealthy and privileged -- continue to thrive.

In a system obsessed with grades, memorising facts has replaced the art of thinking. Students are cramming just enough information to survive the next exam, while the excitement of genuine learning fades away. Creativity? It’s barely given a chance to breathe when everything revolves around ticking the right boxes. Critical thinking -- the ability to analyse, question, and solve real-world problems -- finds little room within this framework. Instead, students are told to stick to the script, follow formulas, and aim for the "correct" answer. But when does that leave space for curiosity or innovation? This isn't preparing students for the future; it’s just setting them up to keep repeating the past.

The repercussions of an education system fixated on grades are far-reaching and often devastating. This relentless pursuit of academic success suffocates the development of crucial life skills. In classrooms dominated by the pursuit of test scores, opportunities for teamwork, leadership, and innovative problem-solving are often cast aside. As a result, young people miss out on invaluable lessons in communication and cooperation that are essential in both personal and professional realms.

Emotionally, the toll is heavy. The pressure to achieve can spiral into anxiety and stress, turning education into a high-stakes game rather than a path to growth and discovery. Students often find themselves trapped in a cycle of relentless expectations, feeling that their worth is determined by numbers on a page. Any failure can turn into a heavy burden, causing them to doubt their abilities and prematurely abandon their ambitions, often before they’ve had a chance to discover their true potential. This drive for perfection can overshadow their true passions and interests, leaving them feeling disenchanted and disengaged. Instead of fostering a generation of curious, adaptable individuals ready to face the challenges of a complex world, we risk raising a cohort of overwhelmed learners who see education as a burden rather than a journey.

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and the rise of AI, the job market is undergoing a seismic shift that demands a reimagining of education. As automation reshapes traditional roles, holistic education is no longer just beneficial; it’s essential. Extracurricular activities are crucial in cultivating creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking -- skills that classrooms often neglect. Successful individuals today, from innovators to leaders, owe much of their achievements to the experiences gained beyond textbooks.

Meanwhile, education systems around the world are evolving to prioritise these competencies, recognising that mere memorisation is insufficient in preparing students for the challenges ahead. However, Bangladesh is lagging significantly behind in this regard. If we fail to adapt, we risk leaving a generation ill-prepared to navigate an unpredictable future.

The time for change in Bangladesh’s education system is now! We cannot afford to let our students languish in an outdated model that stifles their potential. It’s imperative that we demand a radical transformation -- one that prioritises creativity, critical thinking, and real-world skills over mere rote memorisation. By embracing holistic education, we can cultivate a generation of empowered individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to society.