Drop out of boys is higher than girls

Drop out of boys in primary level is higher than girls in Bangladesh, according to Primary School Survey-2016.

A total of 22.3 per cent boys left their education before completing primary education as against of 16.1 per cent did in 2016. The rate was 23.9 and 17 respectively in 2015.

Overall, 19.2 per cent children didn’t complete primary education in 2016. There is improvement as compared to 2015, where 20.1 per cent children left their education at midway in primary.

It is a gradual development as the dropout rate was 47.2 and 39.8 respectively in 2005 and 2010.

The ratio of enrollment in primary schools has been increased in 2016 as compared to 2015. The enrollment of girls is also higher than that of boys.

Gaibandha, a northern district in Bangladesh, topped the list of drop out as 41.5 per cent children left education before completing primary level. Nearly 43 per cent boys and 40 per cent girls dropped out in 2016.

The district is followed by Bhola, a southern district in Bangladesh, where overall 34.9 per cent students didn’t complete primary education after enrollment (38.4 per cent boys and 31.4 per cent girls).

A number of factors behind the dropout have been identified by experts. Former advisor of caretaker government and Executive Director, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) Rasheda K Chowdhury said, “Poor communication system, inadequate school infrastructure and substandard teaching are the factors behind the drop out.”

“The dropout ratio is higher in Haor, islands, hilly, slam and remote area because of poor communication system,” she said.

Appreciating girls’ enrollment she said, “The drop out of girls in tertiary level is very high though it is better in primary level.”

(The article originally published in Bangla edition of Jagonews24.com is written in English by Zahidul Islam)