Failures in the education sector mounting

Bangla Press Desk: For over a decade, primary and secondary students in Bangladesh received free textbooks at the start of the academic year, creating excitement among students and relief for guardians. However, under the interim government, this continuity has been disrupted. As of 18 January, 8,641,960 secondary-level textbooks were still undelivered, although all primary-level books had reached schools. Experts say these delays not only reflect administrative failure but also disrupt students’ learning continuity.

Leadership Vacancies and Administrative Weaknesses

Key positions in the Ministry of Education, the National Academy for Educational Management (NAEM), and the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) remain vacant. This has left teachers responsible for administrative decisions, leading to resignations, disciplinary actions, and strained teacher-student relationships. Education experts warn that such leadership gaps indicate broader administrative incompetence.

Curriculum Uncertainty

In August 2024, the interim government reverted to the old curriculum, a sudden decision made without consultation. Current education adviser Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has stated that a revised curriculum will be introduced in 2027, but no committee or framework has yet been formed. Experts caution that relying on outdated curricula risks long-term impacts on education quality and workforce readiness.

Stalled Institutional Reforms

Reforms in major institutions remain incomplete. Seven government colleges in Dhaka are still administratively unsettled following a partial separation from Dhaka University. Plans to replace the University Grants Commission with a Bangladesh Higher Education Commission are unlikely to be realized during the interim government’s remaining tenure.

Retirement Benefits Delayed

Over 600,000 teachers and staff at MPO-enlisted non-government institutions have not received retirement benefits since December 2021. The Ministry of Education has yet to form full boards for the Retirement Benefits Board and the Welfare Trust, both of which continue to operate under temporary arrangements.

Limited Achievements

Some progress has been made, including promotion of primary school headteachers, increased house rent allowances, manpower restructuring, and recruitment under NTRCA. However, experts say these measures are insufficient to address the broader stagnation and administrative failures.

BRAC University emeritus professor Manzoor Ahmed said, “Expectations were high that the interim government would prioritize education, but those expectations have not been met. Even if all problems cannot be solved immediately, a long-term vision should have been initiated.”
BP/TI