Education is the most powerful weapon for social and economic progress. A nation's development mostly depends on how much the country is educated. The ability of students to acquire knowledge, learn new competencies and skills and apply them fruitfully in life paves the way for them to build a bright future.
But the education system of Bangladesh is not up to the mark. It can not fulfil the objectives of working life effectively. The education system in Bangladesh is three-tiered and highly subsidised. The government of Bangladesh operates many schools at the primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels. It also subsidises parts of the funding for many private schools. In the tertiary education sector, the government also funds more than 15 state universities through the University Grants Commission. The Bangladesh Constitution also provides that all children receive free and compulsory education.
But one of the main weaknesses of our education system is the absence of an effective system and its proper implementation. The standard of higher education leaves a lot to be desired. According to demographic information, unemployment rate of graduates is 47 per cent which means almost one out of two graduate students is unemployed.
In addition, the education system lacks a sound Human Resource Development (HRD) and deployment system which has demoralised the primary education sector personnel, including teachers, and contributes to poor performance. Poverty is a big threat to primary education in Bangladesh and the cost of education is increasing and many students are unable to afford it.
Now the question that arises pertinently is how these graduates were educated so that they cannot qualify for any employment to make a decent living. Our education system values grades more than learning. Hence, we find unfairness in the exam hall, question paper leak, dishonest and corrupt teaching staff etc.
A student completes his/her graduation with an ambition of doing well in life. But all his/her aspirations end in smoke as he/she enters the job market. We need to make our education system compatible for job market so that our employers can find newer skills among job-seekers and offer them suitable employment. Verbal and written communication, self motivation, innovation, time management, team work, flexibility, commercial awareness etc. are some of the prerequisites apart from leadership and negotiation skills.
The government is still trying its best to develop an effective education system. We hope Bangladesh will have an effective education system soon to ensure employment for graduates passing out every year.
Rasel Rana,
Department of Government & Politics
Jahangirnagar University
[email protected]
- Sunday, 5 May 2024 |
- Today's FE |
- e-Paper |
- Beta Website
