Bangladesh to pilot free school uniforms to boost primary education attendance

Bangladesh aims to improve primary education by introducing free school uniforms and strengthening programs for out-of-school children, according to Primary and Mass Education State Minister Bobby Hajjaj.

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If a student is in class five but has not mastered material appropriate for that level, simply teaching the prescribed curriculum will not help. We have to take the student back to the level where they need to start learning.

Speaking at a national consultation workshop in Dhaka, Hajjaj announced the government's goal to ensure no child is left behind. The free uniform initiative will be piloted before a wider rollout. The minister also addressed challenges in the midday meal program, noting that initial phases identified problems that are now being addressed.

Hajjaj expressed concern over foundational learning gaps, citing that many upper-primary students struggle with basic Bangla reading. He stressed the need to address these foundational issues before proceeding with the standard curriculum. The minister also criticized reliance on private tutoring and outlined plans for a new teacher policy, enhanced monitoring, and technology to track student progress.

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Education is not a sector where major changes can be brought about in a short time.

The government intends to shift the focus in primary education towards mathematics, design, art, and practical learning, including science toys and math labs. Hajjaj acknowledged that significant educational changes take time, expressing hope for a system transformation within four to five years. Unicef Bangladesh Representative Gillian Mellsop emphasized that every child deserves the opportunity to develop essential skills for success.

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Every child deserves the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.