The Government of Bangladesh is continuing its concerted drive to strengthen primary education, recognising it as the cornerstone of national development, the Adviser for Primary and Mass Education, Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, has said. He emphasised that ensuring quality education for children at the foundational level requires collective and sustained efforts from teachers, parents, education officials and the wider community.
Dr Poddar made these remarks on Sunday (11 January) during a field visit to Sunamganj district, where he inspected several government primary schools. He noted that the government remains firmly committed to improving both access to and the quality of primary education, with particular attention to rural and underdeveloped areas.
During the visit, the adviser inspected three government primary schools located in Madhyanagar upazila of Sunamganj. The schools were Galha Government Primary School, Jamsherpur Government Primary School and Madhyanagar Bazar Government Primary School. At each institution, he closely observed classroom teaching, student attendance, the overall learning environment and existing infrastructure facilities.
Speaking to teachers and school administrators, Dr Poddar highlighted the importance of engaging and child-centred teaching methods alongside a supportive school environment. He stressed that classrooms should encourage curiosity, creativity and discipline, rather than relying solely on rote learning. According to him, improving learning outcomes at the primary level will have a long-term impact on reducing dropout rates and preparing students for secondary education.
The adviser also held informal discussions with teachers to understand the challenges they face, including shortages of learning materials, classroom space and, in some cases, trained teaching staff. He assured them that the ministry is working to address these issues through regular teacher training programmes, infrastructure development projects and enhanced monitoring mechanisms.
Senior officials accompanied Dr Poddar during the inspections, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Abu Taher Md Masud Rana, and the Madhyanagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Ujjwal Roy. Local education officers and representatives from various government departments were also present, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on coordinated oversight of primary education.
Government sources indicate that a range of initiatives are currently underway to strengthen the primary education sector. These include improving school infrastructure, ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, providing free textbooks, and expanding stipend programmes to encourage regular attendance, particularly among disadvantaged children.
Visited Schools at a Glance
| School Name | Upazila | Key Focus of Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Galha Government Primary School | Madhyanagar | Teaching methods and facilities |
| Jamsherpur Government Primary School | Madhyanagar | Student attendance and classrooms |
| Madhyanagar Bazar Government Primary School | Madhyanagar | Learning environment and hygiene |
Concluding his visit, Dr Poddar expressed optimism that sustained government initiatives, combined with the dedication of teachers and active involvement of parents, would significantly enhance the quality of primary education across the country. He reaffirmed that building a strong educational foundation for children remains a top national priority.