‘Ban private coaching’
Educationists yesterday called on the government to introduce a provision in the proposed education act banning all kinds of private tuition and coaching classes by teachers.
They also demanded that the government make the draft available to the public so that stakeholders can give recommendations before placing the draft law at a cabinet meeting.
They made the demands in a press conference organised by Campaign for Popular Education (Campe) and Education Watch at PKSF headquarters in the capital.
"Education is something for understanding, thinking and asking questions. Hence, we are strictly against guidebooks and private coaching centres as they deprive students of that scope," said Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, chairperson of Education Watch.
The government first took the initiative to formulate the draft education act in 2012, following national education policy 2010. The draft was completed in 2016 and published on the government website for public opinion.
Education is something for understanding, thinking and asking questions. Hence, we are strictly against guidebooks and private coaching centres as they deprive students of that scope.
As another draft act has been prepared, the authority should publish it on their website, before sending it to Cabinet Division for the stakeholders and civil society members to express their opinion or recommendation, said Qazi Kholiquzzaman, also co-chairman of National Education Policy Formulation Committee 2010.
He also demanded to know the current status of the proposed Standing commission for education.
Rasheda K Chowdhury, CAMPE executive director, said, "Coaching-business cannot be legalised in any way. As we are not officially informed about the draft act yet, it is necessary to discuss before finalising the act."
However, coaching centres where university students earn money through tuition can continue, she added.
Speakers recommended the inclusion of measures considering situations like the Covid-19 pandemic. They also demanded an extension of primary education up to the eighth grade and recognise education as a right of students.
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