Dhaka: Prime Minister's Adviser on Education, Overseas Employment and ICT, Mahdi Amin, highlighted the urgent need for substantial reforms in Bangladesh's education system to establish a merit-based framework. Speaking at a discussion on educational reform in Gulshan, Mahdi emphasized the shortcomings of the current lottery-based school admission system and advocated for a return to an examination-based process.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Mahdi Amin revealed that policymakers are considering a shift back to exams for school admissions. Efforts are also underway to revamp the education curriculum before the upcoming January. Mahdi pointed out that curriculum development has been influenced by political agendas, and he urged civil society to ensure that the reform process stays apolitical. He stressed that education should transcend mere certification, focusing instead on capacity building, technical skills, and fostering entrepreneurial spirit.
Mahdi outlined the government's plans to expand technical and vocational education, as emphasized by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The proposed reforms include introducing technical and vocational subjects from Class Six, with practical components starting from Class Eight. These subjects will be mandatory alongside traditional streams such as science, arts, or commerce.
In an effort to enhance overseas employment opportunities, Mahdi announced plans to introduce third-language learning in schools. Countries like Japan, China, South Korea, Italy, France, and Germany have expressed interest in supporting this initiative, potentially by providing teachers or technical assistance through their embassies. Initially, specific foreign languages might be introduced in selected districts before a nationwide implementation.
During the event, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education, Bobby Hajjaj, discussed the government's plan to introduce a midday meal program in schools, starting with government primary schools at the upazila level, with a gradual expansion across the country. He also mentioned the development of a single curriculum framework to ensure comparable competencies among students from Bangla, English, and Ebtedayee streams after completing 12 years of education.
Bobby Hajjaj added that cultural and sports activities will be incorporated into the national curriculum, with implementation expected within two to three years.
Earlier in the discussion, Towfiqul Islam Khan from the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) presented a study warning that, despite progress in enrolment, Bangladesh is lagging in ensuring universal access to quality primary and secondary education. The study highlighted a decline in boys' primary school enrolment from 98 percent in 2023 to 91 percent in 2024, marking a significant drop.
At the secondary level, a gender imbalance exists with more girls than boys, and a declining transition rate from primary to secondary education. The study noted a drop in students moving from primary completion to secondary school, falling from 95 percent in 2010 to 84.2 percent in 2024. The transition rate from Grade 5 to Grade 6 also declined sharply to 74.99 percent in 2022.
The analysis indicated a rise in child labor, which increased from 6.8 percent in 2019 to 9.2 percent in 2025, suggesting economic pressures are driving boys out of school. The study called for a renewed education agenda focusing on improved learning outcomes, skills development, and better alignment between education and labor market demands.