EDUCATION SYSTEM OF BANGLADESH
The education system of Bangladesh may be broadly divided
into three stages: Primary, Secondary and Higher. Primary education is imparted
in Primary School, secondary education in High Schools and Intermediate
Colleges and higher education in Degree Colleges and Universities.
Primary Education
Primary education begins at the age of 6. There are five
grades in primary 6chools-clas6 I to class V. For each grade an annual
examination is held subject wise and each student has to pass in all the
subjects to get promotion to the next higher class.
Each Institution conducts examination as per prescribed
courses and syllabuses. There is no public examination at the end of class V.
The head teacher of respective institution issues school leaving certificates
to successful students. There is a system of scholarship examination at the end
of class V. Each institution selects its best students to appear in this
examination which is conducted by the Upa-Zilla Education Officer. Merit
scholarships are awarded by the government to successful students.
The administration of primary school is conducted by the
Directorate of Primary Education under the Ministry of Education which has
field offices in every District headquarters. Of the total number of M, 200
primary schools in the country, 36,697 are managed by the Government and the
rest are privately managed. Primary education in government primary schools is
free.
Pre-Primary Education
Some formal arrangements for pre-primary education may be
found in urban areas. This does not fall within the public education system.
There exists some privately managed nursery and kindergarten schools in the
urban areas.
In the rural areas, however, informal pre-primary education
is often arranged by the local committees.
Secondary Education
Secondary education in Bangladesh may be divided into three
stages: Junior Secondary, Secondary and Higher Secondary. Secondary education
is offered at secondary schools known as High Schools and higher secondary
education is offered at Intermediate Colleges and intermediate section of
Normally a High School
comprises five grades, i.e. class VI to Claus X and Intermediate Colleges
comprise two grades, i.e. class XI and XII. There are many High Schools in
Bangladesh which, combine the primary stage (class I-V) and offer teaching up
to class X. There is yet another type, called Junior High Schools which have
teaching facilities up to class VIII. The total number of Secondary school
including Junior High School is 9^85 in Bangladesh. Out of them 181 schools are
directly managed by the Government.
The curricular structure is uniform up to class VIII where
the basic programme is of general education. There is no public examination up
to this grade. Each institution conducts its own examination. Class-wise annual
examination is held and promotion to next higher class is given only if a
student gets a minimum prescribed mark. A country-wide scholarship examination
is held every year which is conducted by the Deputy Director .of Secondary and
Higher Education of each administrative Division. Merit scholarships are given
to successful candidates. Diversification of curriculum has been introduced at
class IX, where students separate into two streams of courses: science' and humanities.
The academic programme is intended to be terminal at the end of class X where
the students appear at a public examination called Secondary School Certificate
(S*S.C.) but primarily the programme in directed to the preparation of students
for entrance in the higher secondary stage.
At the higher secondary stage the academic programme for general
education is of two years duration (class XI to XII) with a public examination
called Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C.) examination at the end of class
XII. Courses are diversified into science, commerce, humanities, home
economics, agriculture and Music.
Secondary schools, Intermediate Colleges and intermediate
sections of Degree Colleges offering general education require affiliation of
the regional Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education for academic and
elimination purposes. There are four such Boards (one for each administrative
division) having their headquarters at Dhaka, Rajshahi, Comilla and Jessore
districts respectively. All the schools are bound to follow the curriculum and
syllabus prescribed by the respective Board and entire candidates for
examinations of the S.S.C. and H*S.C. arranged by the Boards. Although these
Board are completely separate in their academic end administrative affairs,
their general scheme of studies are uniform. Academically, all the secondary
schools and higher secondary institutions (Intermediate Colleges) are under the
control of the Boards which grants the affiliation without which schools and
colleges cannot admit candidate for public examination nor they can arrange any
such examination for the levels of S.S.C. and H.S.C. The methods of
examinations is mostly written in nature and practical examinations are taken
in science subjects and in other subjects where necessary. For the purpose of
grading 100 marks are allotted for each paper. Minimum marks for First
Division, Second Division and Pass are 60, it5, and 33 respectively. A student
who secures at least 75 percent marks in aggregate is awarded a 'Star'. The
pass mark for individual paper is 33* Successful candidates are awarded
certificate by the Boards concerned. To qualify for a certificate n candidate
must pass in all the subject'(for those requiring practical examinations, it is
necessary to pass in theory and practical separately).
Without formal schooling a candidate can appear in S.S.C.
and H.S.C. examinations as private candidates with the permission of the Board
concerned. Similarly, external candidates can also appear in the examinations.
Secondary and higher
education is administered by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education
which has field offices at every division and district.
Technical Education
Technical education in Bangladesh is organized in three
phases, viz. certificate, diploma and degree. The certificate course which
prepare skilled workers in different vocations are of 1 - 2 years duration after
8 of schooling (class VIII) imparted in Vocational Training Institutes
(V.T.I.).
Polytechnic Institutes and Monotechnic Institute offer
diploma courses in engineering, commercial and industrial subjects'. The
duration of the course is 3 years for technical courses and two years for
commercial courses after S'.S.C.
Public examination is held for every type of course under
the auspices of the Bangladesh Technical Education Board and all diplomas and
certificates are awarded by them. The Board herb full academic control over
technical and vocational institutions and they require its affiliation for all
academic purposes. Following are the types of examinations conducted by the
Technical Education Board:1) Diploma in Engineering 2) Diploma in Engineering
(Kaptai Central), 3) Diploma in Commerce k) Sub-Overseer Examinations 5) Trade
Final Examination 6) Textile Examinations 7) Diploma in Printing 8) Certificate
in Secretarial Science 9) Certificate in Business Typing 10) Diploma in Ceramics
11) Diploma in Survey.
Technical institutions managed by the Technical Education
Directorate are affiliated to the Technical Education Board for Examination
purposes. Besides, the Institute of Marine Technology and the Technical
Training Centers (TTC) run by the Ministry of Women Affairs are affiliated to
the Board for academic purposes.
Private institution like Shatlipy Academy, Dhaka, Baderpur
Akbar Ali Khan Commercial Institute, Comilla and two institutes offering
eub-overseer course-one at Comilla and the other at Kajshahi managed by
respective District Council and similar other private vocational and trade institution
numbering 1?5 are registered with the Technical Education Directorate and
affiliated to the Board.
The Ministry of Agriculture operates >a number of
Agricultural Extension Training Institutes where a two years course for e
Diploma in Extension work is given after S.S.C.
Madrasah Education
Beside the above general system of education there ie a
parallel system known as Madrasah Education which offers traditionally Islamic
instruction to Muslim boys and girls. The Madrasah has the following stages:
Ibtedayee (i.e. Primary of 5 years duration)
Dakhil (i.e. Secondary of 5 years duration after Ibtedayee)
Alim (i.e. Higher Secondary of 2 years duration after
Dhakil)
Faz.il (i.e. Bachelors degree of ? years duration after
Alim)
Kamil (i.e. Master's degree of 2 years duration after
Faail).
Subjects taught in these institutions focus mainly on the
study of Holy Quran, Hadith, Tafeir, Fiqh, Usul and Arabic language and
literature. In addition, provision has also been made for the teaching of
General Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Bengali-, and English, Persian
and Urdu in appropriate levels so that the Madrasah students become qualified for
general vocations as well. In nil the stages, except Ibtedayee, public
examinations ore held under the auspices of Bangladesh Education Board and
certificates and degrees or awarded by them.
All the institutions of different stages better known as
'Madrasah' require affiliation and recognition of the Madrasah Education Board.
Courses and curricula are designed by them
Furquenia, Hafizia & Quaumi Madrasah
Besides the public system of Madrasah education a good
number of private institutions' offer traditional Islamic teaching to Muslim
boys and girls. These are known as Furquania Madrasah, Hafizi& Madrasah and
Quami or Nizamia Madrasah. Furquania Madrasah offer basic education (maximum l\
years) on Islam including Arabic language, Quran recitation, elementary Bengali
language and simple arithmetic. Hafizia madrasah is exclusively meant for
'Hifz' or the memorizing of the entire Quran. Children of the earliest possible
age group join these institutions and complete their programme within the
required period. Mostly these institutions are residential and attached to a
Masjid.
Quaumi or Nizamiah Madrasahs arrange their academic
programme according to grades of one year each beginning from Grade I to Grade
XIV. The grades are named in Arabic. The final grades is called Daurah.
Certificates are awarded to the students after successful completion of the
'Daurah' class. Furthermore, specialized higher courses of 2/3 years duration
are also conducted in some of the Quaumi Madrasah.
Traditionally a student obtaining a 'Kamil1 degree of
passing the 'Daurah' stage of Madrafsnh education prefix .a title 'Moulana'
with their names*
Tolls
There are Sanskrit and Pali institutions in Bangladesh scout
POO in number-which offer traditional religious education to the minority communities
mostly Hindus and the Buddhists known as Tol. It ht-fc two separate department
Sanskrit and Pali. The former mainly focus on Sanskrit language and Hindu
religious teaching and scriptures, and the later focus on Buddhist religious
teaching and scriptures. Courses are offered into three grades of studies of
one year known as 'Adya' (basic) 'Madhya1 (middle) and Upadhi' (title) and the
institutions are also classified accordingly as Tol, College and 'Chotuspadi1
respectively. In the Pali department if a student attend 3 years course in each
of the above mentioned grades making a total of 9 years for all the grades of
studies,1 he gt-te the degree of 'Tripitak Vishard1 (Master of Tripitak).
There is a government recognized board named Bangladesh Sanskrit
and Pali Education Board which coordinates the academic and administrative
functions of the Tolls. The Board receives substantial government assistance
for running these Tolls. The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education
looks after their activities.
Homeopathic System of Medicine
After H.S.C. a student can joint. Hemeopathic Medical
College for a five years course in the Homeopathic System of Medicine. On
successful completion of this course Homeo M.B.B.S. degrees are given by the
Bangladesh Homeopathic Medical Board. Four years diploma course after S.S.C- is
also offered. All academic activities including syllabuses and curricula of
Homeo-education is controlled by the Board. This Board is recognized by the
Government which gives grant to them for all promotional activities of
homeopathic medical education.
Unani and .Aurvedic System of Medicine
The age old Unani and Aurvedic system of Medicine are very
popular in this country. There is one Government Unani College and five other
private Unani and Aurvedic Colleges in this country. Courses of studies are:
Four years after S.S.C./A3im/Quami certificates for Unani system of medicine;
and four years after S.S.C. or equivalent certificate in Sanskrit for Aurvedic
system of medicine.
Unani system of medicine was innovated at a place called
UNAN in Greece and subsequently developed under Muslim patronage. So, it. Most
cases ita treatises and books are written Arabic, Persian and Urdu. So the
Madrasah students have an advantage in receiving this professional education.
Innovated and developed in Bangladesh, Aurvedic Hystem of medicine mostly deals
with herbal medicine and treatment.
There is a government' recognized Board of Unani and
Aurvedic System of Medicine in Bangladesh. The Board prescribes syllabuses and
curricula, conduct examination and award diplomas and certificates. On successful
completion of four years courses D.U.M.S. (Diploma in Unani Medicine and
Surgery) and D.A.M.S. (Diploma in Aurvedic Medicine and Surgery) are awarded
for Unani end Aurvedic system of medicine respectively. The Board receives
government grants for promoting these systems of medical education. The Unani
practitioners prefix a title 'Hakim* and Aurvedic practitioner prefix a title
'Kaviraz' with their names respectively.
Other Types of Professional Education
In Bangladesh there are many professional institutes which
offer professional certificates, diplomas and degrees. Tea Bangladesh
Institution of Engineers, The Marine Academy, Chittagong under the Shipping
Corporation of Bangladesh, The Institute of Cost and Management Accounts, The
Institute of Chartered Accounts, The Institute of Bankers, Library Association
of Bangladesh and similar other asocial- tone offer professional certificates,
diplomas and fellowships etc. after H.S.C. followed by professional training
and internships.
Maas Education: AduIt/Nop-formal Education
With the introduction of Universal Primary Education, the
Government has also adopted adult and non-formal education for the avowed
objective of eradicating illiteracy from about five million illiterates of the
country. Adult and Mass Education centers have been opened in the country which
are engaged in imparting literacy to adult men and women and also educating
them on environment, agriculture, fisheries, cooperatives etc. The curricula
include simple reading, writing and erithraatic, Text books and follow-up books
have been designed for this purpose, which is normally taught. by training
adult education teachers. Mostly, evening arid night classes are held in the
Adult Education Centers. Evaluation is made periodically and on satisfactory
performance qualifying certificates are given by the adult education organizers.
Mass education programme has been undertaken to eradicate
illiteracy from the country. Under a systematic programme Mass Literacy Centers
have been opened in many villages of the country where voluntary teachers
composed of local educated youth,' teachers, students and social workers
trained for this purposes are now engaged in teaching. Special primers and
follow-up literatures including teachers1 guides have been printed for free
distribution among the students and teacher. The Radio and Television also
arrange regular teaching programme as per approved primers and follow-up
literatures.
Community Schools
Community Schools will. Provide effective linkages between
the structures of formal end non-formal education and make both mutually
reinforcing. The community school which is on existing : 10 Secondary school
designated ae such hue been established to encourage participation of the local
community in 6chool active ties viz., establishment of teacher-parent
associations curriculum advisory committee involving some progressive
farmei'6,locally available experts and local teachers. While the community
schools provide formal education to it students, its resources, physical and
human are being utilized with appropriate supplement from other sources to
provide a range of programmes of non-formal education and training for adult.
It will also provide job opportunities to secondary school drop-outs and their
parents. In the first phase 200 community schools have been set up which are
now offering ^-6 months courses-in various trade and vocations ‘agriculture,
civil and mechanical trades for men and sewing, weaving and food processing and
preservation for women.
These facilities will be extended to **00 high schools (200
for boys and POO for girls) in due course.
Community Learning Centre (CLC)
To achieve the goal of universalization of primary education
for five year6 alternative recourse to non-formal education by way of
establishing Community Learning Centers hat} been undertaken. The centers will
be used to create a learning situation for the whole community in which the
children are the again beneficiary; the idea is to make parents regard
education of their children as a part of total community activity. The most
important component of the CLC is to educate the parents various aspects of
life and environment including functional literacy and numeracy keeping in view
the requirement of childhood education* 153 CLCs have already started
functioning. The rest are in the process of functioning.
Higher Education
After H.S.C. students can pursue, in accordance with their
ability and aptitude higher education in Pass/Honors Bachelor's degree courses
(duration 2 years/3 years) in the Degree Colleges or the Universities, which
are followed by the Master's Degree courses is of one year's duration for
holders of an Honors Bachelor's degree and two years duration for holders of a
Bachelor's pass degree. The ^general pattern of education, is therefore, 5+
(3+2+2+) +2/3+2/1. The duration of degree course is four years in engineering
and agriculture and five years in medicine after H.S.C. Higher education in
engineering and technology and agriculture is offered in the colleges and
universities of engineering and technology and agriculture.
M.Phil. and Ph.D. courses in selected subjects are also
offered in the universities. The duration of studies for an M.Phil. degree is
two years and that of Ph.D. minimum three years after Master's Degree.
Academic control of all higher education including medical
engineering and agriculture rests with the 3 affiliating universities i.e.
University of Dhaka, University of Chittagong and University of Rajshahi. The
Agricultural University, Mymensingh has two affiliated Agricultural College.
The rest two Universities- Jahangir Nagar University and University of Engineering
and Technology, Dhaka are mainly residential teaching universities. The Islamic
University at Tongi, Dhaka has already started its academic programme.
Although all the medical colleges and institutes,
engineering colleges and agricultural colleges fall within the academic control
of the affiliating universities, the general administration of them come under
different jurisdiction. The medical colleges and institutes are managed by the
Ministry of Health. There is a College of Physicians and Surgeons for
conducting fellowship (FCPS, MCPS) programmes.
The universities are fully autonomous in character. There
exists a University Grant Commission (UGC) which is an autonomous organization
established for coordinating the academic programme of the universities as well
ae promoting research activities and coordinating developmental activities of
the universities with the government. The Institute of Scientific
Instrumentation under the UGC offers training to technicians for maintenance,
repair and development of expensive and sophisticated scientific instruments
and equipment used for teaching and research purposes in the universities end
Collages.
Teacher Education
Teacher education is offered at the Primary Training
Institutes (PTI) for preparing trained teachers for the primary schools. The
duration of the course is one year and the minimum qualifications required for
entries into this course in S.3.C. The National Academy for Primary Education
situated at Mymensingh is responsible for conducting examinations after one
year of training and offering Certificates of Education (C-in-Ed.)
There are Teacher Training Colleges (TTC) for secondary
school teachers which offer one year course for Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), the
qualification admission in this course is at least the first university degree.
One year H.A. in Education course is also offered in one Teachers Training
College.
The Institute of Education and Research, University of Dhaka
offers one year course for the graduates leading to Diploma in education
equivalent to B.Ed. This is followed by one year’s course leading the Master of
Education Degree (M.Ed.). There is also provision for Ph.D. in Education course
for those who have minimum Master's Degree in Education.
The Technical Teacher's Training College offers a two-year technical
teachers training course for polytechnic diploma holders.
The National Academy for Primary Education is responsible
for organizing in-service training course for teacher trainers, selected
primary school teachers, supervisors and administrators involved in primary
education.
The College of Physical Education one situated at Dhaka and
the other UT Rajshahi offer one-year certificate of Physical Education course
after S.S.C. and one-year Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed.) course after
first university degree.
The National Institute of Educational Administration
Extension and Hi search (NIEAER) is entrusted with the responsibility to
arrange and conduct in-service short terra training course on different
subjects/disciplines for both secondary and college teachers besides training
educational administrators.
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