Members of Bashundhara Shuvosangho held a discussion titled “Student Dropout and Remedies” in Hajiganj upazila of Chandpur.
The event was organised at Balakhal JN High School and Technical College on Wednesday.
Hajiganj upazila unit Shuvosangho adviser and acting principal of the institute, Khodeja Begum, presided over the event, moderated by Hajiganj upazila unit Shuvosangho General Secretary and Kaler Kantho correspondent Kamruzzaman Tutul.
The upazila unit advisers, Md Saiful Islam and Jewel Rana Talukder, vice-presidents Shamsuddoha, Hossain Molla Liton, Mohiuddin Al Azad, Religion and Planning Secretary Abu Bakar Tarafdar, Publicity Secretary Sujan Das, and Hospitality Secretary Shakhawat Hossain Shamim spoke at the programme.
Besides, assistant teachers Imam Hossain, Nazmud Shahadat, Ranjit Chandra Pal and students of the institution were present.
In her speech, Khodeja Begum said that child marriage is one of the major reasons behind dropouts. In addition, economic hardship also pushes students away from their studies.
“If parents become more aware and remain attentive to their children on a regular basis, the dropout rate can be significantly reduced,” she noted.
Saiful Islam said that although 250 students enrol in Class Six, the number drops to 80-90 by the time they reach Class Ten. “Poor academic performance and failure to advance to the next class are major reasons behind this dropout,” he added.
Mentioning that poverty is the biggest cause of dropouts, Hossain Molla said, “Due to financial hardship, boys are often sent to work, while girls are married off at an early age. State and social support are essential for families living in poverty.”
Jewel Rana said, “If we can support underprivileged students from our position, the dropout rate can be significantly reduced.”
Imam Hossain said the dropout rate has decreased significantly from 2007 to 2024. To reduce it further, teachers, parents and students need to work together in a coordinated manner, he added.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
