Dhaka: Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury today emphasized that the country’s education system is not in sync with global standards, calling for an increase in budgetary allocation for the education sector to enhance national development.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, stakeholders have consistently advocated for 20 percent of the national budget to be dedicated to education. However, the allocation remains around 12 percent, with spending at approximately 2 percent of GDP. Kader Gani highlighted that Bangladesh is trailing behind nations such as Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Myanmar in terms of GDP allocation in education. He referenced UNESCO’s recommendation of 20 percent of the national budget and 4-6 percent of GDP for education.
Kader Gani made these remarks during a scholarship cheque distribution event organized by the Association for Mass Advancement Network (AMAN) at Dhaka University’s Faculty of Social Sciences conference hall. Various speakers, including Technical and Madrasah Education Division Secretary Md. Daud Miah and Dhaka Union of Journalists President Mohammad Shahidul Islam, also addressed the event, chaired by AMAN Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Abu Yusuf.
Underscoring the foundational role of family, Kader Gani stated that it serves as the primary institution for instilling values, character, and beliefs. He stressed that without proper moral upbringing at home, academic education alone cannot ensure comprehensive knowledge. He also advised parents to be vigilant about their children’s social interactions.
Md. Daud Mia emphasized that quality education requires trained and dedicated teachers, and sustainable development hinges on improved education standards. Mohammad Shahidul Islam voiced concerns regarding the declining education standards, noting surveys that compare Grade 11 students in Bangladesh to Grade 7 internationally and equate local undergraduate degrees to foundation-level courses. He urged the government to implement effective measures to address these issues, as pass rates have increased without a corresponding improvement in quality.