Summary:
- Bangladesh has abolished the “paternity quota” in primary teacher recruitment, ensuring 93% of appointments are now merit-based.
- The government plans to introduce mid-day meal programs in all primary schools nationwide within five years to improve student attendance and nutrition.
- Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder emphasized the need for pre-service teacher training and increased budgets to enhance primary education quality.
- Challenges persist in achieving educational goals, with inefficiencies in stipend programs and gaps in basic literacy among students being highlighted.
The government of Bangladesh has announced a significant reform in the recruitment process for primary school teachers, eliminating the long-standing “paternity quota” system. This decision was disclosed by Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, Adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, during a meeting with divisional officials in Khulna on December 8, 2024. The reform aims to prioritize merit-based recruitment, with 93% of teacher appointments now determined solely on the basis of qualifications and performance.
“There will be no paternity quota in primary teacher recruitment,” stated Dr. Podder, emphasizing the government’s focus on improving the quality of primary education. He highlighted the importance of pre-service training for teachers and called for increased budget allocations to support these initiatives. The move aligns with broader efforts to enhance educational standards across Bangladesh, which include improving infrastructure and introducing programs such as mid-day meals in schools.
Dr. Podder also outlined plans to implement mid-day meal programs in all primary schools within the next five years. Currently operational in select areas like Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban, this initiative aims to boost student attendance and ensure better nutrition for children. A project proposal for nationwide implementation is awaiting approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
Despite these efforts, challenges persist in achieving desired outcomes in primary education. The adviser noted discrepancies in attendance and academic performance, with some students failing to meet basic literacy and numeracy standards. He attributed this partly to inefficiencies in existing stipend programs, which have not yielded expected results due to issues like students enrolling in multiple schools.
The announcement comes amidst ongoing debates about quota systems in educational institutions across Bangladesh. On December 7, students at Rajshahi University staged protests demanding the abolition of all non-merit-based quotas, including the paternity quota. Protesters argued that such systems undermine fairness and meritocracy, calling for reforms to ensure equal opportunities for all.
This development reflects a broader shift in Bangladesh’s education policy towards merit-based systems and quality improvement. However, experts caution that these reforms must be accompanied by increased investment in teacher training, curriculum development, and classroom resources to address foundational gaps in student learning outcomes. As Bangladesh strives to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, such measures are critical for building an equitable and effective education system capable of supporting national growth aspirations.
Source: Kalerkantho
