Bangladesh University of Professionals

Term Paper on
Education market in Bangladesh
Submitted To
Asst. Prof Dilara Jahan
Course Name
Intermediate Microeconomics -II
Course Code: ECON- 2401

Submitted By
MD. Tamzid Hossain ID: 2214881110
MD.Ahsanul Haque Sumon ID:2214881080
H.M Arshad Ali Rafi ID:2214881058
Section: B
DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the topic " Education market in Bangladesh" has been completed under
the Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bangladesh University of
Professionals; it satisfies all requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Social Science in
Economics with Proficiency in Economics.

This work is, in my opinion, wholly original, and no portion of it has ever been presented.

12 may, 2024

MD. Tamzid Hossain

MD. Ahsanul Haque Sumon

H.M Arshad Ali Rafi

Department of Economics
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Bangladesh University of Professionals
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, I want to express my gratitude to Allah Ta'ala for giving me the perseverance and

opportunities to finish the job correctly.

Then, I want to express my gratitude to my mum for her unwavering assistance and support.

Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Dilara Jahan, Assistant Professor,

Department of English, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, for helping me gather

information.
Abstract

This research paper examines the dynamics of the education market in Bangladesh, focusing on its evolution,
current status, and future prospects. Bangladesh's education sector has witnessed significant growth and
transformation in recent years, driven by government initiatives, private sector investments, and societal
demands for quality education. The paper analyzes key factors influencing the education market, including
government policies, access to education, quality assurance mechanisms, and emerging trends such as digital
learning and vocational training. It explores the challenges facing the education market, such as infrastructure
constraints, teacher shortages, and disparities in access to education across different demographic groups.
Additionally, the paper discusses opportunities for innovation and improvement, including public-private
partnerships, technology integration, and curriculum reforms. By providing insights into the education market
in Bangladesh, this research contributes to the understanding of education systems in developing countries and
informs policymaking and strategic interventions aimed at enhancing education quality and accessibility.
Introduction

Bangladesh's education industry has seen tremendous expansion and change in recent years,
fueled by a number of causes including governmental initiatives, investments from the
corporate sector, and public aspirations for high-quality education. The purpose of this paper
is to give a general overview of Bangladesh's education market by looking at its past, present,
and potential futures. Government regulations, educational opportunities, methods for
ensuring quality, difficulties, and chances for innovation are important areas to investigate.
To improve education quality and accessibility in Bangladesh, policy decisions and strategic
interventions must take into account the dynamics of the education market.
Research Question

 What are the key factors influencing the demand for private education in
Bangladesh, and how do they differ across urban and rural areas?
 How effective are government initiatives aimed at improving access to quality
primary education in remote and marginalized communities in Bangladesh?
 What are the major challenges faced by higher education institutions in Bangladesh
in their efforts to meet international standards and attract students from abroad?
 To what extent does the digital divide impact access to online education in
Bangladesh, and what strategies can be implemented to bridge this gap?
 What are the barriers to female education in Bangladesh, and how can they be
addressed to promote gender equality in the education sector?
 What are the economic implications of investing in education in Bangladesh, and
how does education impact poverty reduction and socioeconomic development?
 How do teacher training programs in Bangladesh contribute to improving the
quality of education in primary and secondary schools, and what areas require
further development or enhancement?
What are the key factors influencing the demand for private education in
Bangladesh, and how do they differ across urban and rural areas? (Ahmed,
2018) (BANBEIS, 2019) (World Bank, 2018)

The demand for private education in Bangladesh is influenced by several key factors, with
variations observed between urban and rural areas.

Factors influencing demand for private education:

1. Quality Concerns: Parents frequently favor private schools over public ones because they
believe that the former offer higher-quality instruction. More qualified teachers, better
facilities, and smaller class sizes are common features of private schools.

2. English-Medium Instruction: English-medium instruction is a highly appreciated option

offered by many private schools in Bangladesh to parents who want to give their kids greater
chances for higher education and work in a globalized market.

3. Social Status: Sending children to private schools is often seen as a status symbol among
middle and upper-class families, contributing to the demand for private education.

4. Perceived Discipline and Environment: When opposed to public schools, private schools
are frequently thought to offer a more orderly and supportive learning environment, which
draws parents who are worried about their kids' behavior and academic achievement.

5. Examination Performance: Because private schools frequently tout better academic

results and greater examination pass rates, parents who want to ensure their children's future
academic success are placing more and more demand on them.

Urban-Rural Differences:

1. Access to Public Education: Parents seeking more options for their children's education
are driving up demand for private education in rural areas where public schools may be few
or of low quality.

2. Income Disparities: Urban areas generally have higher concentrations of wealth and a
larger middle class, leading to a greater ability to afford private school fees compared to rural
areas where income levels may be lower.

3. Infrastructure and Facilities: Parental decisions on which school to send their child are
further influenced by the fact that urban private schools typically offer superior facilities and
infrastructure than their rural equivalents.

4. Migration and Urbanization: Higher rates of rural-to-urban migration are seen in urban
regions, which raises the demand for educational services. In order to meet the rising
demand, this population inflow helps to fuel the growth of private schools in urban areas.
How effective are government initiatives aimed at improving access to
quality primary education in remote and marginalized communities in
Bangladesh? (BANBEIS) ( Ministry of Education) ( BRAC)

To assess the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at improving access to quality

primary education in remote and marginalized communities in Bangladesh, we need to
consider several factors and available data.

Government Initiatives:

The elementary Education Development Program (PEDP), which was introduced in

Bangladesh in 1992, aims to improve elementary education quality and accessibility. It
includes projects like constructing classrooms, employing instructors, giving away textbooks,
and providing stipends to encourage students to attend, particularly in isolated locations. In
addition, since 2002, the basic Education Stipend Program (PESP) has offered financial
incentives to girls from underprivileged homes in particular to help them enroll in and
continue with basic education. These initiatives show a concentrated attempt to raise
Bangladesh's elementary education standards and accessibility.

Assessment of Effectiveness:

Assessing the success of government measures in enhancing education requires keeping an

eye on gender parity, enrollment rates, retention rates, and educational quality. Better access
is suggested by rising enrolment, and long-term educational results are indicated by increased
retention rates. Enhancements are guaranteed when testing, teacher credentials, and facility
evaluations are used to assess the quality of education. The success of measures aimed at
resolving gender disparities can be evaluated by examining gender parity in enrollment and
retention rates. Together, these measures provide insight into the effectiveness and
advancement of educational initiatives in Bangladesh.
What are the major challenges faced by higher education institutions in
Bangladesh in their efforts to meet international standards and attract
students from abroad? (UNESCO, n.d.) ( World Bank, n.d.)

In Bangladesh, higher education institutions face several challenges in meeting international

standards and attracting students from abroad. These challenges include:

1. Quality Assurance: It can be difficult to guarantee a consistent, high-quality education

that satisfies international standards because of limited resources, out-of-date curricula, and a
lack of trained faculty members.

2. Infrastructure and Facilities: Many higher education institutions in Bangladesh lack

modern infrastructure and facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and research centers,
which are essential for providing a conducive learning environment and conducting high-
quality research.

3. Faculty Development: Retaining qualified faculty members and providing them with
opportunities for professional development and research support is crucial for maintaining
academic excellence and attracting students from abroad.

4. Research and Innovation: Limited funding for research, inadequate research

infrastructure, and a lack of industry-academia collaboration hinder the ability of higher
education institutions in Bangladesh to produce cutting-edge research and innovation that can
attract international students and researchers.

5. Recognition and Accreditation: Limited recognition and accreditation of Bangladeshi

degrees internationally may deter prospective international students from considering higher
education institutions in Bangladesh.

6. Language Barrier:The predominant use of Bengali as the medium of instruction in many

higher education institutions may pose a challenge for international students who are not
proficient in the language.

7. Safety and Security: Concerns about safety and security, including political instability
and occasional incidents of campus violence, may deter international students from choosing
Bangladesh as their study destination.
To what extent does the digital divide impact access to online education in
Bangladesh, and what strategies can be implemented to bridge this gap?
(BTRC, n.d.) (worldbank, 2020) (UNESCO, 2019)

The digital divide significantly impacts access to online education in Bangladesh, particularly
in rural and marginalized communities where internet access and digital literacy rates are
lower. Here's an analysis of its extent and potential strategies to bridge the gap:

Extent of the Digital Divide:

In 2020, 54.6% of Bangladeshis had access to the internet, indicating a sizable fraction did
not. In contrast to rural areas, which face obstacles like inadequate infrastructure that make
online education less accessible, urban areas have better internet connection. Many
households own few devices, which makes it difficult to access online educational resources.
Moreover, insufficient digital literacy among educators, parents, and students impedes the
efficient utilization of online learning tools. These difficulties highlight the obstacles
preventing online learning from becoming widely accepted in Bangladesh and the necessity
of focused initiatives to close the digital gap.

Strategies to Bridge the Gap:

Expanding broadband access requires improving internet infrastructure through public and
commercial investments, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Accessibility can be
improved via subsidized gadgets, especially for students from low-income families. In rural
areas, community internet centers provide a shared location for rural residents to access the
internet. To give parents, teachers, and kids the skills they need to use digital devices
effectively, digital literacy programs are crucial. Students who may not have access to
computers or stable internet connections can nevertheless benefit from mobile-based
learning. Solutions for offline learning serve people without internet connection. In order to
accelerate efforts to close the digital gap by giving people access to the internet, gadgets, and
training in digital literacy, public-private partnerships are essential. Together, these tactics
remove obstacles to the uptake of online learning and advance digital inclusion in
Bangladesh.
What are the barriers to female education in Bangladesh, and how can they
be addressed to promote gender equality in the education sector?
(BANBEIS , n.d.) (The World Bank, 2020)

In Bangladesh, despite progress in improving gender parity in education, several barriers still
exist that hinder female education. Here's an overview of these barriers and potential
strategies to promote gender equality in the education sector:

Barriers to Female Education:

1. Social Norms and Cultural Practices: Traditional gender roles and cultural norms often
prioritize boys' education over girls'. Early marriage, domestic responsibilities, and
restrictions on girls' mobility can limit their access to education.

2. Poverty: Economic constraints, including the cost of schooling, lack of resources for
school supplies, and the opportunity cost of sending girls to school instead of contributing to
household income, can prevent families from prioritizing girls' education.

3. Distance to Schools: In rural areas, where schools are often located far from residential
areas, concerns about safety and transportation can deter parents from sending their daughters
to school.

4. Quality of Education: Low-quality education, including inadequate infrastructure, poorly

trained teachers, and outdated curriculum, may lead parents to perceive girls' education as
less valuable, further exacerbating gender disparities.

5. Child Marriage and Early Pregnancy: Child marriage and early pregnancy are
significant barriers to girls' education in Bangladesh. Once married or pregnant, girls are
often forced to drop out of school due to societal expectations and practical challenges.

Strategies to Promote Gender Equality:

1. Community Sensitization: Conducting awareness campaigns and engaging community

leaders to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote the value of girls' education can
help change attitudes towards female education.

2. Financial Incentives: Providing financial incentives such as scholarships, stipends, and

cash transfers to girls and their families can help alleviate economic barriers to education and
incentivize parents to send their daughters to school.

3. Improving Access: Building schools closer to communities, especially in rural areas, and
providing safe transportation options for girls can improve access to education and address
concerns about distance and safety.

4. Teacher Training: Training teachers to create gender-inclusive classrooms, address

unconscious biases, and provide gender-sensitive pedagogy can create a more supportive
learning environment for girls.
5. Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Introducing comprehensive sexuality education in
schools can empower girls with knowledge about their sexual and reproductive health rights,
helping them make informed decisions about their education and future.

6. Legislative Measures: Enforcing laws against child marriage and implementing policies
that protect girls' rights to education can help prevent early marriage and pregnancy, enabling
girls to stay in school.

What are the economic implications of investing in education in

Bangladesh, and how does education impact poverty reduction and
socioeconomic development? (World Bank, 2020) (UNDP, 2020)

Investing in education in Bangladesh has significant economic implications, as it contributes

to poverty reduction, enhances human capital development, and fosters socioeconomic
growth. Here's an overview of the economic implications of education investment and its
impact on poverty reduction and socioeconomic development, supported by data:

Economic Implications of Investing in Education:

1. Human Capital Development: Investing in education helps to build human capital, which
is necessary for productivity and economic progress. People with more education are better
able to develop, contribute to the workforce, and keep up with technology advancements.

2. Employment Opportunities: Higher levels of education increase individuals'

employability and earnings potential. A skilled workforce attracts investment, promotes
entrepreneurship, and stimulates economic activity, leading to job creation and income
generation.

3. Income Inequality Reduction: Education can help reduce income inequality by providing
equal opportunities for all individuals to acquire skills and access better-paying jobs. This, in
turn, contributes to a more equitable distribution of wealth and fosters social cohesion.

4. Workforce Productivity: Educated individuals are more productive and efficient in their
roles, leading to higher levels of output and economic growth. Increased productivity
contributes to competitiveness and resilience in the global market.

Impact on Poverty Reduction and Socioeconomic Development:

1. Poverty Reduction: Education is a powerful tool for poverty reduction, as it equips

individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to escape poverty. According to the
World Bank, each additional year of schooling can increase earnings by 10% in low-income
countries like Bangladesh.

2. Health and Well-being: Education improves health outcomes by promoting preventive

healthcare practices, increasing access to healthcare services, and enhancing individuals'
ability to make informed health-related decisions. This leads to a healthier population and
reduces healthcare costs.

3. Gender Equality: Education empowers women and girls by expanding their opportunities
for employment, leadership, and decision-making. Closing the gender gap in education
contributes to greater gender equality, which is essential for sustainable development.

4. Innovation and Technological Advancement: Education fosters innovation and

technological advancement by nurturing a skilled workforce capable of driving research,
development, and entrepreneurship. This enables Bangladesh to adapt to changing market
demands and seize opportunities for economic diversification and growth.
How do teacher training programs in Bangladesh contribute to improving
the quality of education in primary and secondary schools, and what areas
require further development or enhancement? (DPE, n.d.)

Teacher training programs in Bangladesh play a crucial role in improving the quality of
education in primary and secondary schools by equipping teachers with the necessary
knowledge, skills, and pedagogical techniques. Here's an overview of how these programs
contribute to enhancing education quality and areas that require further development or
enhancement:

Contribution to Improving Education Quality:

Enhancing pedagogical abilities, subject matter expertise, inclusive education practices, and
technology integration among educators are the main goals of teacher training programs in
Bangladesh. Engaging students and meeting a variety of learning requirements can be
accomplished by teachers through the development of pedagogical skills like lesson planning
and classroom management. Teachers who have received subject-specific training are
guaranteed to possess a thorough comprehension of the curriculum, which empowers them to
lead engaging learning activities. Additionally, training programs support inclusive education
strategies, guaranteeing all students—including those from marginalized backgrounds and
those with disabilities—equitable access to an education. In order to properly use educational
technology tools and improve learning results, instructors are also taught in digital literacy
skills and technology-enhanced learning methodologies. These programs help to raise the
standard and accessibility of education in Bangladesh overall.

Areas Requiring Further Development or Enhancement:

Continuous professional development should be given top priority in Bangladeshi teacher

training programs in order to keep teachers up to date on pedagogical innovations, research,
and curricular modifications. In order to keep an eye on program efficacy and conformity to
national education standards, strong quality assurance procedures are required. To properly
support diverse learners, comprehensive training on inclusive education techniques is
necessary. Teachers get real-world experience and improve their teaching skills by including
actual classroom experiences, such as teaching practicums. Furthermore, community
involvement is essential for promoting cooperation and obtaining backing for professional
development programs for educators. All of these tactics help raise teaching effectiveness and
raise the standard of education in Bangladesh.

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