English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) ‘Bottled’ in English Version Education: Dream and Reality*

The strengths and limitations of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) have been extensively studied in the field of English language teaching. However, limited attention has been given to the aspirations of non-elite middle-class parents in Bangladesh, who strongly value EMI for its perceived instrumental benefits, thereby creating a grassroots linguistic market. This study investigates the effectiveness of English Version Education (EVE), a recently developed educational system introduced by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB). EVE delivers the national curriculum in English, using textbooks translated from Bangla, aiming to enhance learners’ English language skills while retaining alignment with the national educational framework. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study finds that parents view EVE as a means to secure better socio-economic opportunities for their children. However, their expectations are often unmet due to significant challenges, including teachers’ limited English proficiency and the absence of an immersive English-speaking environment in schools. Although EVE offers affordable tuition, it frequently fails to deliver the anticipated improvements in students’ English competence and justifies the financial investment by parents. The study concludes that while EVE serves as a cost-effective alternative to traditional EMI, its rapid expansion risks exacerbating social inequalities, potentially leading to new forms of societal division.