Primary and Mass Education Adviser Bidhan Ranjan Ray Poddar discussed the significant gap between aspirations and reality in the country's education system. Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders in Barisal on Sunday morning, Dr. Poddar emphasized the primary goal of improving education quality while addressing critical infrastructure issues in schools, particularly those serving grades six to eight.
"We are committed to enhancing education quality, but infrastructure development is also essential," he said. "Action will be taken soon to address the challenges schools face." Dr. Poddar noted that some schools still operate in two shifts and that efforts are underway to streamline these into one shift. Furthermore, steps are being taken to fill vacancies swiftly.
Dr. Poddar rejected claims that primary schools aren't teaching effectively, citing that many schools are lobbied for admissions, and with existing infrastructure, quality education can be provided. He stressed the importance of investigating why certain schools are struggling to offer quality education and focusing on improvements.
Addressing the resource allocation, he assured that there will be measures to ensure proper utilization of funds and prevent wastage in the name of educational projects. He also highlighted that the country currently has around 13 to 14 types of primary education, a situation which needs addressing to reduce the disparities in access and quality.
In the meeting, various officials and education engineers from five districts shared concerns about educational challenges, including staffing shortages. The meeting was chaired by Barisal's Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Delwar Hossain, and attended by senior education officials at various levels, including the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Secretary, Abu Taher Md Masud Rana.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
