Originally posted in The Daily Star on 27 February 2025
Improving the quality of education requires not just financial resources but also strong political and governance commitment, said eminent economist Rehman Sobhan yesterday.
There are now five different systems, with divisions even within Bangla-medium institutions. As a result, society has become increasingly fragmented and unequal.
He made the remarks at a programme titled “State of Education: Insights for the Future”, organised by the Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital.
Sobhan, also the chairman of Centre for Policy Dialogue, highlighted disparities in Bangladesh’s education systems, like the madrasas, English-medium, and Bangla-medium institutions.
“The education system you are now getting today is a reflection of this divided society,” he added.
He said the educational landscape has undergone significant changes, now shaped primarily by class and market forces. Discussions have emerged on how market dynamics increasingly influence the education system, determining choices for students, he added.
“The ruling class — those who run the country — have used money for politics and business, creating a new elite. This class has distanced itself from the Bangladeshi education system,” he said.
Sobhan said there are problems in the governance of the educational system.
“Unless we view this issue in a broader social context, and unless we address the need to create a more egalitarian society, we won’t make real progress. The growing inequality in our society is not being effectively tackled, and this is at the root of many of our educational problems. This is the unfortunate reality we face. It is only when all the key people have a stake in this system that you are going to see real progress taking place.”
“Until then, we must continue to apply pressure to raise standards. But raising standards requires a revolution — not only in the education budget but also in the culture of governance and politics,” Sobhan added.
Speaking as chief guest, Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, acknowledged flaws within government operations, including inefficiency, negligence, and corruption.
“The graffiti on walls reflects students’ aspirations. A common theme among them is the call for reducing inequality. If I can contribute even slightly to improving primary education, it will be a step toward reducing social disparities,” he said.
Prof Sharmind Neelormi of Economics at Jahangirnagar University emphasised the need for a higher education budget but stressed proper fund utilisation.
Mostafizur Rahaman, deputy director of CAMPE, questioned, “Is today’s education system fit for purpose?”
Education must align with market demands, especially in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which will create many job opportunities, he said.
He called for higher taxation on top-income groups to fund education, arguing that the government often claims it lacks sufficient resources.
Dr Manzoor Ahmed, professor emeritus at BRAC University and convener of the Primary and Non-formal Education Consultation Committee, said, “We need to move away from the fragmented and ad hoc decision-making of the past, which was often dependent on the preferences of individual ministry officials.”
He proposed forming a consultative committee with sector-specific subcommittees to guide a five-year education sector plan and a ten-year perspective plan, which should be used for consultation on key decision-making issues.
More than 150 participants, including students, parents, education experts, researchers, development partners, government officials, and teacher associations, attended the discussion.
CAMPE Deputy Director Tapon Kumar Dash delivered the welcome speech, while Executive Director Rasheda K Choudhury moderated the event.
Rabiul Islam, additional secretary (College Division) of the Secondary and Higher Education Department, attended as a special guest.