Dhaka: Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder has underscored the necessity of enhancing the quality of primary education as a fundamental step towards sustainable development. He emphasized that improving higher education standards is unattainable without first elevating primary education.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Podder made these remarks as the chief guest at the book launching ceremony titled, ‘History of the Establishment of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University’ organized by the Greater Mymensingh Cultural Forum at a hotel in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. He highlighted that sustainable development requires a knowledgeable, skilled, and disciplined workforce, which is built on a solid foundation of primary education.
Podder also expressed his views against the concept of specialized universities, stating that a full-fledged university should be a place for gathering all types of knowledge. He opined that Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University will be truly successful only when multidimensional knowledge is established there.
Highlighting the significance of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s Trishal, Podder noted that Nazrul is an integral part of national and state consciousness. He mentioned that despite religious divisions during the partition, Nazrul’s non-communal and humanist ideals remained undivided. Podder further emphasized that Bangladesh, through the Liberation War, transitioned from a religion-based state mentality to a nation-state where Nazrul’s ideals have triumphed.
He also stressed the importance of commitment and rights in a nation-state, where all citizens should enjoy equal opportunities and dignity. Podder added that efforts must be made to protect the rights and existence of small ethnic groups.
Regarding research on Nazrul, Podder expressed regret over the insufficient institutional research on Nazrul’s literature, music, and philosophy. He laid special emphasis on making Nazrul research more dynamic.
Discussing the primary education system, Podder pointed out that although primary education has been declared compulsory and universal, government primary schools suffer from mismanagement. He noted that children of many influential and respected people in society do not attend these schools. Despite various limitations, Podder assured that the ministry is working to improve the quality of primary education, asserting that national progress will be hindered if primary education cannot be developed properly.
The event was attended by members of the forum, well-wishers, and various professionals, and was chaired by ASM Abdul Halim, President of the Greater Mymensingh Cultural Forum.