Dhaka:The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged to continue its support for Bangladesh's efforts in improving primary education and ongoing reform initiatives. The commitment was made during a meeting between ADB Country Director for Bangladesh, Qingfeng Zhang, and State Minister for Primary and Mass Education, Bobby Hajjaj, at the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions focused on enhancing the quality of primary education, classroom-based learning effectiveness, and the Fifth Primary Education Development Program (PEDP-5). The meeting also explored future development cooperation prospects.
During the meeting, Bobby Hajjaj emphasized the long-term investments made in infrastructure development, teacher training, curricula formulation, educational materials, and school development grants. He highlighted the importance of monitoring classroom instruction to ensure students attain the expected competencies. The government is placing special emphasis on classroom realities, teaching methods, and student learning progress.
Regarding the PEDP-5, Hajjaj explained that the program would be restructured into distinct projects to make its activities and financing more focused and results-oriented. Six separate projects will be implemented, covering initiatives like infrastructure development and teacher training, allowing for precise identification of funding and expected outcomes.
The state minister called for increased involvement from development partners in non-formal education and skills development alongside primary education. He stressed the need for long-term investment to support large-scale projects in these areas, with international development partners, including ADB.
ADB Country Director Qingfeng Zhang commended the ongoing reforms and emphasized that the state minister's proactive approach aligns with ADB's vision. He reaffirmed ADB's commitment to supporting primary education and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in non-formal education and skills development. Primary and Mass Education Secretary Md Daud Miah and ADB delegation members were also present at the meeting.