Primary, secondary levels vital for higher education

Uniform education in our mother tongue is crucial for education to be deep, sustainable, and accurate. If we cannot achieve this goal, our education standards will not develop.

— Serajul Islam Choudhury DU Emeritus Professor

Stressing the crucial role of primary and secondary education in the country's advancement towards higher education, Dhaka University Emeritus Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury yesterday highlighted the lack of importance given to these levels of education.

"Throughout our history, primary and secondary education have not received the due importance they deserve. Without prioritising these foundational levels, we cannot strengthen the country's higher education," said Prof Choudhury.

He made the remarks during a special discussion programme at the UGC auditorium in the capital, commemorating the 50th anniversary of University Grants Commission.

Referring to news reports, he pointed out that approximately 8,000 primary schools were shut down, while more attention was given to establishing colleges.

According to Prof Choudhury, a major challenge in the country's education system lies in our failure to ensure uniform education based on the mother tongue, instead of having three different streams of education.

"Uniform education in our mother tongue is crucial for education to be deep, sustainable, and accurate. If we cannot achieve this goal, our education standards will not develop," he said.

More funds are necessary to promote intellectual freedom, research, academic excellence, innovation, and liberty in public universities.

— AK Azad Chowdhury Former UGC chairman

Prof Choudhury further observed that while the country is progressing in various aspects, these developments often lead to discrimination and alienation.

Discussing the importance of having students' unions in public universities, he mentioned, "Even during the military regime, public universities had students' unions. The absence of students' unions has now created a lack of cultural atmosphere in public universities, which has left students frustrated and alienated, sometimes even leading to tragic consequences."

Premier University Vice Chancellor Prof Anupam Sen emphasised the importance of students and the education system being technology-friendly.

"Without [being technology-friendly], we cannot cope with the current world."

AK Azad Chowdhury, former UGC chairman and Dhaka University Emeritus Professor, highlighted the need for increased budget allocations for universities and said more funds are necessary to promote intellectual freedom, research, academic excellence, innovation, and liberty in public universities.

He criticised the decision to deny permission for a private university due to a lack of land, stating, "Having skilled teachers is more important than having land and buildings."

Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, deputy minister for the Ministry of Education, pointed out the existence of a caste system in higher education, where three types of education (private, public, and national university) create disparities.

He called for the development of a structure to determine a uniform fee for all students pursuing higher education in public universities and emphasised the importance of alumni contributions to address the funding crisis.

The deputy minister urged UGC to expand its capacity to regulate colleges and tackle the issue of discrimination in higher education. He also urged the public university authorities to collaborate with professional bodies to enhance their quality of education.

Education Minister Dipu Moni acknowledged that their primary focus in the first decade was to ensure education for all. While admitting that achieving uniform education for all is challenging, she said significant efforts have been made in this regard.

"Our goal is to make education enjoyable," she said. 

According to the education minister, the budgetary allocation for education has increased significantly. However, its current level is affected by mega projects. She emphasised that once the projects conclude, the education sector will be their top priority.

The discussion was presided over by UGC Chairman Professor Kazi Shahidullah. UGC Professor Md Abu Taher also spoke at the discussion.