<i>15 lakh girls still out of pry school</i>

About 15 lakh primary age girls in the country still remain out of school, speakers at a national consultation meeting on 'United Nations Girls' Education Initiative (UNGEI)' said yesterday.
They also revealed that although the rates of enrolment of boys and girls in primary schools are the same, the enrolment of girls at the secondary level is still significantly low.
"It is found that only 50 percent of children enrolled in class six can reach class ten and only 40 percent of girls can pass the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations," said Tasneem Athar, deputy director of CAMPE, at the inaugural session of the two-day meeting at a city hotel.
The low achievement rates for girls at the primary level put them at a disadvantage when they enter the secondary school, Tasneem added.
During the 90s, Bangladesh recorded remarkable achievement in primary education with net and gross enrolments and completion rates all increasing by over 20 percent. Girls' enrolments increased by over 30 percent during the period. However, during the past several years' progress has stagnated, said the speakers.
The drop-out rate has increased from 33 percent in 2002 to 47 percent in 2006, they pointed out.
They attributed the poor quality of schooling to poor attendance, high drop-out rate and low achievement.
However, Bangladesh can take pride as it has achieved gender parity in terms of enrolment in primary education, they added.
"It is seen that if a girl is educated, its effect is much in society than that of the contribution of boys. So girls' education is a must and the government needs support from community group and development partners to ensure equity and quality in this regard," said Primary and Mass Education Adviser Rasheda K Choudhury while speaking as the chief guest.
The UNGEI, which was launched in 2000, is a multi-sectoral partnership of organisations and working to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with regards to girls' education.
A committee comprising representatives from government and non-government organisations will be formed at the consultation meeting to promote girls' education.
Carel de Rooy, representative of Unicef, Bangladesh country office, Raka Rashid, UNGEI Focal Point, regional office of South Asia, ATKM Ismail, additional secretary of the education ministry, and Qazi Akhter Hossain, additional secretary of primary and mass education ministry, were also present at the inaugural session.