From Awareness to Action: Peace, Justice, and Civic Engagement in Bangladesh’s English for Today under SDG 16

This study examines how peace, justice, and civic engagement are represented in Bangladesh’s English for Today textbook for Classes Nine and Ten in relation to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16). It explores how textbook content may develop learners’ awareness of human rights, equality, peaceful coexistence, social responsibility, and active citizenship. Using qualitative content analysis, the study examines seven selected units through the perspectives of peace education, critical literacy, and SDG 16. Particular attention is given to the relationship between textbook themes and learning activities, including discussion, reflection, problem-solving, and written communication. The analysis considers whether these materials offer opportunities for learners to move beyond basic awareness towards critical reflection and potential civic action. The selected units present relevant themes through identity, community problems, regional relationships, social contribution, occupational stereotypes, literary representations of justice, and public expression. However, the presence of these themes does not automatically ensure meaningful civic learning. The study recommends more explicit critical questions, locally relevant activities, and classroom practices that connect language learning with responsible participation in Bangladeshi society.