The provision of effective education is vital for any country as knowledge drives economic growth, enriches culture, and brings accountable politics. Educating individuals, especially when they are young, empowers not only families and communities but the whole country and promotes social stability and sustainable development. Given its importance and potential to spread good around the world, it should be one of the top priorities for any government irrespective of politics.
Knowledge has historically been the main criterion of superiority amongst individuals and nations. The Mongols destroyed much of the civilized world, including Muslim lands and libraries, but they later succumbed to Islam due to the superiority of Muslim knowledge and culture. Conversely, a post-Renaissance Europe, free from any ethical restraint, colonized much of the world including those once powerful Muslim countries because the latter fell far behind in their pursuit of knowledge. In the mid-19th century, while European powers were humiliating Japan, the Meiji dynasty, which came to power in 1868, made education a central focus. Within a generation, Japan modernized rapidly and emerged as the most powerful nation in Asia.
Bangladesh's educational landscape, both religious and secular, continues to bear the imprint of its dark colonial past. The British imposed an exam-centric education system that was designed to fuel their imperial machinery. The post-independence leadership failed to bring a truly holistic and integrated education system that could bring the spirit of genuine learning and nurture the tapestry of indigenous cultures.
A successful education system requires a seamless progression from early childhood education through to university level. A truly holistic approach includes several key elements:
Bangladesh must adopt an integrated approach to reform both its secular and religious education systems, including schools and madrassas. At the same time, universities need to be freed from the grip of violence and transformed into true centres of high-quality education, learning, and innovation.
Addressing quality in school education
Secular or school education in Bangladesh is grappling with significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and outdated curricula. The focus on rote memorization and exam-centric learning stifles critical thinking and creativity.
Meaningful reform must begin with the introduction of a holistic curriculum that fosters self-esteem, equips children with social and life skills, and encourages critical thinking and entrepreneurship. Secondly, teacher training programs must be enhanced to incorporate modern pedagogical methods and prioritise continuous professional development on par with global standards. Lastly, infrastructure must be improved nationwide, especially in under-served rural areas, to ensure equitable access to quality education for all.
Madrasa education: Renewal and integration
The madrasa system, which provides religious education, holds a significant place in Bangladesh's cultural and religious fabric. However, it should incorporate elements of the mainstream contemporary education system, supported by better resources. Reforms should focus on three key areas: Firstly, updating the curriculum to include both the core values of religion, ie, Islam for Muslims, and a deeper understanding of religious rituals, alongside essential subjects like mathematics and science; secondly, fostering collaboration between madrasas and secular schools to promote mutual understanding and offer children a more comprehensive and balanced education; and thirdly, implementing standards and accreditation mechanisms, or quality assurances, to ensure the quality and relevance of religious education.
Reclaiming universities from the negative politics
Universities have historically played a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh’s political consciousness and liberation movement. However, instead of fostering high-quality education, research, and intellectual growth, they have become entangled in violence and the toxic politics of immoral and vicious dominance by major political parties.
In recent decades, party politics and campus violence have severely disrupted student well-being and academic development, preventing students and staff from focusing on education, teaching, and research. Consequently, corruption and mismanagement have eroded meritocratic principles in both student and faculty recruitment. This has led to a decline in academic standards, stifled research culture, and contributed to the brain drain of talented students.
A roadmap for change
To tackle these deep-rooted issues, universities must be freed from partisan politics and transformed into neutral environments that prioritize learning, research, and intellectual growth. Achieving this requires a multifaceted approach aimed at fostering a culture of quality teaching, learning, and innovation. Some key strategies include:
Bangladesh must empower its youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a globalized world. To achieve this, the education system needs comprehensive reform, embracing a holistic approach from early childhood through to university.
This reform must break the country free from its dark colonial legacies and address contemporary challenges, focusing on quality, access, and relevance in both secular and religious education. Doing so will lay the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous society. As Malcolm X, the legendary African American revolutionary and human rights activist, once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari is an Educationalist and Author.
