Is Bangladesh’s Education System Turning Into a Business?
Is Bangladesh’s Education System Turning Into a Business?
Mst. Mithila Khatun
Mr. Alauddin entered the ninth-grade English class, wrote a passage on the board, and said, “Do this narration.”
Mita, in a disappointed tone, said, “Sir, you haven’t taught us the rules. How can we do this without knowing them?” In response, Mr. Alauddin said, “You have an exam in a few days, and you still can’t do this simple task?” Mita insisted, “Sir, how can I do it without knowing the rules?” He then asked, “Don’t you take private tuition or coaching?” Finally, he snapped, “Don’t argue with me. Stand up for an hour.”
This scene represents a typical scenario in a Bangladeshi school. But this is not just the story of one school; it reflects the entire education system of Bangladesh.
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon that you weapon that can use to change the world.” Unfortunately, in Bangladesh, education has gradually turned into a tool for commercial gain. The true purpose of education is to nurture an individual’s intellectual and ethical development, as well as the progress of society and the nation. However, this purpose is being lost.
There are several reasons behind the commercialization of education in Bangladesh.
Firstly, there is a growing dependence on coaching centers and guidebooks. Nowadays, students rely more on coaching centers and guidebooks than on textbooks. Research shows that around 75% of students in Bangladesh rely on coaching or private tuition. The market value of the coaching industry in the education sector is about 3,700 crores taka(Source: UNICEF).
Secondly, the high price of guidebooks is another major issue. Currently, the price of guidebooks for ninth and tenth-grade students has been reached from 10,000 to 12,000 taka, which is nearly impossible for a lower-income family to afford. As a result, students are forced to rely on these guidebooks, moving further away from their textbooks.
Thirdly, the expansion of private educational institutions has turned education into a busi ness. Many private schools and colleges in Bangladesh now operate for profit. According to the new policy for 2024, 23 types of addi tional fees have been introduced for schools and colleges. In some institutions, tuition fees increase by 10-15% annually.
Fourthly, English-medium schools are often seen as superior, creating inequality between students in English and Bengali-medium schools.
Fifthly, There is lack of skilled teachers in government and semi-government institutions. Although about 30% of teaching positions in government schools and colleges remain vacant, the recruitment process is progressing slowly due to bureaucratic complexity.
Moreover, corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency play a major role in the commercialization of education. In government institutions, the appointment of teachers, curriculum reforms, and other aspects of the education sys-tem are heavily influenced by bribery and political pressure. Private institution owners also exert a strong influence on policymaking, allowing them to shape education into a prof-itable business.
The biggest victims of this commercialization are lower-class and middle-class families. Due to the declining quality of government schools and the increasing fees of private institutions, access to quality education is becoming increasingly difficult for them. A World Bank report states that due to the rising costs of higher education, 40% of students are unable to pur-sue further studies. This recreates an educational gap between the rich and the poor, reinforc-ing social inequality.
Besides, the commercialization of education has led to a decline in quality. As money is prioritized over talent, opportunities for creativity and research are shrinking. Consequently, students are trapped in rote memorization, which hinders their ability to think independently.
To address these challenges, several measures should be taken, firstly improve the quality of goveminent educational institutions. Skilled teachers should be appointed, classroom feedback should be collected, and the overall educational environment must be enhanced. Secondly, Control the coaching business. Students should be encouraged to prioritize textbooks and classroom learning over coach ing centers. Moreover, Regulates tuition fees in private institutions. Non-government and MPO-listed institutions increase their fees annually; this practice must be stopped. The Ministry of Education should set a fixed fee structure to ensure education remains accessible to all. Finally, Ensure proper training and skill development for teachers. Well-trained teachers can improve classroom leaming and reduce students’ reliance on coaching centers.
When education becomes commercialized, it not only hinders an individual’s future but also obstructs a nation’s development. It is high time we addressed this issue and restored education to its true purpose. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon.” Let us not tum it into a tool for profit.
Writer is a Student. The department of sociology, Govt Azizul Hoque College, Bogura.