An Education Commission most urgent now: Bangla Academy DG
Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam has emphasized the immediate need for an Education Reform Commission to address the country's educational challenges.
“Our government has formed various commissions, yet there is little focus on educational reform research. The first step for state reform must begin with education,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion titled "Violation of Academic Rights in Bangladesh's Educational Sector: Policy Recommendations for Remedies," held at the National Press Club on Tuesday (December 17), Professor Azam expressed concern over the limited allocation for education.
“While 6 per cent of GDP should ideally be allocated to education, countries in the Indian subcontinent allocate around 4 per cent. In Bangladesh, it was 2.1 per cent, and now it has dropped to just 1.60 per cent. With a salary of only Tk 17,000, how can we expect to recruit quality teachers in primary schools?”
The event was organised by the Council for the Rights of Academia, with academics, journalists, and policymakers participating.
Education system requires structural changes
Professor Azam stressed the necessity for expanding international collaborations for undergraduate and PhD programmes. “In reality, Bangladesh does not have a proper PhD system. Fully-funded, full-time PhD programmes should be introduced in public universities. Initially, this opportunity can begin in two or three universities and gradually expand.”
He also underscored the need for strengthening English language education. “Bangladesh ranks 82nd globally in English proficiency. While many people study in English-medium institutions, the country still lacks proficient English speakers. Why is this happening?”
On madrasa education, Professor Azam suggested integrating Alia madrasa education into the mainstream system. “If technical education is combined with madrasa programs for those seeking employment abroad, the results could be extraordinary. We need to use digital tools to improve educational management at a lower cost.”
Expert opinions on education reform
Dr Mushtaq Khan, professor of economics at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, pointed out that a failing education system weakens a nation. “Pressure to reform must come from both above and below. Exporting unskilled labor is not development. The garment industry employs foreign workers because they know English, while our talented youth fall behind. Bangladesh must transition to research-driven education and ensure accountability within institutions.”
Dr Mohammad Tariqul Islam, member of the Local Government Reform Commission and professor at Jahangirnagar University, highlighted the importance of multi-level governance in universities. “None of these reforms will work without clear political goals.”
Journalist Joynal Abedin Shishir, a member of the National Citizens Committee, stressed the importance of English to counter global dominance. “Countries like Singapore prioritised English, which transformed their economy and education. Bangladesh must adopt a similar long-term strategy.”
Reform proposals
The meeting, moderated by Member Secretary Abdullah Al Mahmud, also featured discussions by Mir Mohammad Jasim, former President of the Education Reporters Association. Belal Hossain, convener of the Council for the Rights of Academia, presented a concept paper, while spokesperson Plaban Tariq outlined a 12-point reform proposal for the education sector.
