GET IN TOUCH
- Please wait...
Bangladesh stands at a pivotal crossroads in its education journey. Despite progress over the years, the nation faces pressing challenges. These include high literacy and numeracy gaps, elevated dropout rates among girls, teacher shortages, and an urgent need to integrate climate education. Tackling these issues demands comprehensive reforms rooted in proven global practices. Notably, several African countries have pioneered innovative, scalable strategies. Bangladesh can adapt and build on these models to accelerate its educational transformation.
Foundational Learning Crisis:
According to the National Learning Assessment, over 70% of students in Grades 2 and 3 struggle with basic literacy and numeracy. Without these foundational skills, students fail to progress academically. As a result, their life prospects diminish, and intergenerational poverty deepens.
Dropout Rates and Gender Disparities:
Roughly 33% of students drop out before completing secondary school. Girls are especially affected. Early marriage, which still impacts over half of Bangladeshi girls, plays a major role. Socio-cultural norms and domestic responsibilities also contribute. These factors reinforce gender inequality and hinder national development.
Shortage of Trained Teachers:
There is a serious lack of qualified teachers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Combined with large class sizes and multi-grade classrooms, this limits students’ ability to learn effectively.
Climate Vulnerability:
As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Bangladesh faces frequent floods, cyclones, and heatwaves. These disrupt schools and affect attendance, making climate-resilient reforms a priority.
Several African nations have faced similar challenges but responded with smart, scalable reforms. Bangladesh can draw inspiration from the following strategies:
1. Expanding and Upgrading Infrastructure:
Countries like Rwanda and Zimbabwe have invested in school infrastructure. For example, Rwanda built over 22,500 classrooms, reducing pupil-classroom ratios and improving attendance. These schools also feature rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly design. Bangladesh should prioritize similar efforts in rural areas, with an added focus on climate resilience.
2. Targeted Digital and Quality Education Initiatives:
Kenya and Mozambique have introduced digital platforms and upgraded teacher training programs. Mozambique has also modernized its TVET curriculum to align with labor market needs. Bangladesh can adopt low-cost, locally relevant digital tools, while also training teachers to use technology effectively. Additionally, integrating climate education and community-focused content will support long-term sustainability goals.
3. Inclusive, Gender-Responsive Policies:
Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Burundi have successfully implemented menstrual hygiene kits and school feeding programs. Kenya’s Primary Education Equity in Learning Project has gone further, offering scholarships, mentoring, and school supplies to girls and vulnerable boys. It also tackles period poverty by distributing sanitary towels through government channels. Bangladesh can follow suit by scaling menstrual hygiene initiatives and providing targeted support to vulnerable girls.
4. Skills for Jobs and Growth:
Mozambique and the DRC have reformed vocational education to focus on STEM and green jobs. They have also partnered with industries to offer apprenticeships and career training. Bangladesh should expand vocational centers and collaborate with the private sector. Embedding green skills—such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture—into curricula will help prepare youth for the evolving job market. Encouragingly, programs like the SheSTEM initiative are already leading the way. Implemented by a consortium including 10 Minute School and LightCastle Partners, SheSTEM promotes women in STEM and strengthens ties between academia and industry. More such future-focused programs should be scaled nationwide.
5. Empowering Marginalized and Vulnerable Groups:
Ethiopia’s inclusive centers support children with disabilities. Its multi sectoral approach links health, education, and social services. This model emphasizes the value of coordinated support. Bangladesh can replicate this by launching community-based inclusion programs, upgrading school infrastructure for accessibility, and involving local stakeholders in decision-making.
6. Reforming Community and Parental Engagement:
Uganda has shown how active School Management Committees (SMCs) and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) can improve school governance. Bangladesh should revive and strengthen PTAs, launching awareness campaigns to increase parental involvement—especially in rural areas. Providing training and resources to SMC and PTA members will enable them to advocate for school improvements and foster accountability.
Infrastructure & Climate Resilience:
Invest in building more classrooms and facilities in underserved areas. Use green building techniques and climate-adaptive solutions like rainwater harvesting. This will reduce overcrowding and ensure schools remain operational during environmental shocks.
Education Digitalisation & Relevant Content:
Distribute low-cost digital devices and train teachers in tech-based pedagogy. Create locally relevant content that includes climate education. This will improve engagement and ensure the curriculum meets students’ real-world needs.
Inclusive & Gender-Sensitive Policies:
Introduce programs that provide menstrual hygiene support, targeted scholarships, and awareness campaigns. Draw from Zimbabwe and Burundi’s approaches to promote gender equality and reduce dropout rates.
Skills for the Future:
Align vocational training with emerging industries. Build public-private partnerships to ensure training is market-relevant. Focus on green sectors such as solar power and climate-smart agriculture to create sustainable career pathways.
School Governance and Transparency:
Promote parental awareness through nationwide campaigns. Encourage regular interaction between parents and teachers. Empower SMCs and PTAs by offering structured training, helping them take an active role in school development.
Laying a strong educational foundation is essential for national development. By addressing fundamental challenges—like literacy gaps, access barriers, and exclusion—Bangladesh can create conditions for sustainable progress. The success stories of African countries show that scalable, impactful reforms are possible, even in resource-limited settings. By learning from these global experiences and tailoring them to local needs, Bangladesh can build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready education system.
Our experts can help you solve your unique challenges
Stay up-to-date with our Thought Leadership and Insights
