Education Sector in Bangladesh Still Faces Some Challenges

 A F M Tanvir Nabi

Bangladesh is doing well in many sectors. Undoubtedly Its development in some fields  has been recognised internationally. Its literacy rate is progressing as well as Girls' education at secondary level in terms of figures is going upward. In spite of its progress, there are some challenges that need to be addressed. Quality education which is considered to be an essential indicator  is not up to the mark. In fact, it creates a serious obstacle in generating a skilled workforce. 

The quality of primary and secondary education presents a gloomy aspect. In fact, the result of the public exam   does not speak of the real terminal competency of the learners. Researchers found the knowledge they acquired is really hopeless and disappointing. Low quality education matters as a great challenge that ultimately carries a burden to the national economy. Basic knowledge that they need to get a job is a concerning issue. Experts opine that educational policy - 2010 has not totally been implemented. There seems to be a carelessness to implement expertise guidelines at the field level.  For example, It has been directed to extend the primary completion to the 8th grade.After completing primary education of eight years, learners would be more mature to take its next educational course. They might like to go for Technical or Vocational education and  engage themselves in income generating activities earlier. It is really a good guideline of the experts considering the socio-economic context of the parents' family.  

Another sad issue which is related to shrinking educational budgets. The budget allotted initially is transferred to different heads. Government expenditure on education, total (% of GDP) in Bangladesh was reported at 1.3263 % in 2019, according to the World Bank .”The allocation for the education sectors in the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year of 2022-23 has been reduced in terms of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) And It is only 1.83 percent of GDP for the education sector(ICT budget included here). The same was 2.08 percent in the current budget.”(The Daily Star-9/6/22). On the other hand, UNESCO recommends spending 6 percent of GDP in the education sector. What a disappointment ! Whereas it has been a fact that investing in education incurs no loss as the more skills and enhancement of quality education happens the more you spend in the education sector. Education sector in Bangladesh faces great challenges here.

Another challenge in Bangladeshi education is managing non-government educational institutions in the field levels. Untrained and unprofessional Managing Committee and Governing Body are empowered to conduct education at schools and colleges. Though few Government educational institutions are excluded from those bodies. Disturbing news regarding the management committee is published in the daily newspaper and they are not caring about quality education at all. Dissatisfaction about salary packages continues among non-government teachers. There also exists discrimination about education traits. It is urgently needed to make a clear policy to conduct the whole education at the primary and secondary level under a trained and professional setup.

Education sector in Bangladesh should bravely face those challenges. The country needs sufficient researchers, scientists, philosophers, historians, literary geniuses, excellent artists, high tech professionals and so on. The brightest graduates need greater attention to join the teaching profession. They deserve high pay and due respect. Moreover, they would never be motivated to be guided under an unprofessional body and face humiliation.No development of any country would be sustainable unless its own human resource is patriot, skillful, creative, professional and dedicated. The best education provides those qualities and a national mindset of spending 6 percent of GDP in the education sector is a must for its confirmed and long lasting development.