Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury addressed a scholarship cheque distribution ceremony held at the conference hall of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dhaka University. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 18 (BSS) - Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury today said the country’s education system is not aligned with the modern world, stressing increasing budgetary allocation in education sector to boost overall national development.

“Stakeholders have long demanded 20 percent of the national budget for education, but allocation remains stuck around 12 percent, while spending is about 2 percent of GDP,” he said, according to a press release.

Kader Gani added: “In terms of GDP allocation in education, Bangladesh lags behind countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Myanmar. UNESCO recommended allocating 20 percent of the national budget and 4–6 percent of GDP for education”.

Gani was addressing a scholarship cheque distribution ceremony organized by the Association for Mass Advancement Network (AMAN) at the conference hall of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dhaka University.

Technical and Madrasah Education Division Secretary Md. Daud Miah, founder of Educational, Charitable, and Humanitarian Organization (ECHO) USA  Mohammad Zaman, President of Dhaka Union of Journalists Mohammad Shahidul Islam, among others,  spoke with AMAN Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Abu Yusuf in the chair.

Underscoring the role of family, Kader Gani said it is the primary institution where values, character, and beliefs are formed. 

“Family is a child’s first school. Without proper moral upbringing at home, academic education alone cannot ensure completeness of knowledge,” he added.

He also cautioned that parents should remain vigilant about their children’s social circle outside the home.

Speaking on the occasion, Daud Mia said quality education cannot be ensured without trained and dedicated teachers, and sustainable development is not possible without improving education standards. 

“Education is like sowing seeds in a fertile mind—what is sown will grow,” he said.

Mohammad Shahidul Islam expressed concern over declining education standards, citing surveys showing that Grade 11 students in Bangladesh are comparable to Grade 7 internationally. 

He also mentioned that some studies equate local undergraduate degrees to foundation-level courses.

“Pass rates have increased, but quality has not. Without improving education standards, national development is not possible,” he said, urging the government to take effective measures.