40% high-schoolers do not get required education: Survey
Many go to coaching centres and pay high fees but still do not get quality education
At government high schools, 40% of students do not get the required education and related services from their institutions, which is leaving them dissatisfied, according to a survey.
Many are thus forced to go to coaching centres where they pay high fees, but those institutions also fail to deliver quality education, the survey has revealed.
The survey findings were released on Monday at a programme organised by the Planning Commission at the National Economic Council conference room in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
Patuakhali University of Science and Technology Professor Dr Mamun ur Rashid led the survey commissioned by the Planning Commission's social science research council.
Speaking at the programme, he said the survey had been conducted in Barishal, Jhalakathi, and Bhola but the findings are applicable to the whole country.
He said many students go to coaching centres or study under the supervision of private tutors to fill the gaps but still do not receive quality education.
Describing secondary education as very important, the survey report said if quality education is ensured at this stage, there will be no problem thereafter. But if there are gaps at this stage, students suffer for the rest of their lives.
This also has a negative impact on human resource development. So, education and learning methods need to be improved further, the report noted.
It recommended creating a favourable environment where students can ask teachers questions without fear and which will help fill learning gaps.
Planning Minister MA Mannan, who was the chief guest at the programme, said Bangladesh lags far behind the global standards in education and research, especially in fundamental research.
He said research requires freedom and courage and there are still many shortcomings in this regard.
The minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina often expresses displeasure about this matter. "We need to focus more on education and research to keep up with global development."
The survey was conducted from January to March last year among 601 students from grade 6 to 10.
The participants were asked about whether they can ask teachers questions without fear and have access to various facilities, such as library and playground.
Secretary to the government Mohammad Zainul Bari, also a member of the Planning Commission, presided over the event.