Free students from long vacations' trap

A growing crisis is unfolding in Bangladesh’s education sector, as students across the country continue to suffer the consequences of excessive school closures, outdated academic practices, and ineffective reforms. Experts and stakeholders are sounding the alarm, calling for immediate and sweeping changes to rescue a generation at risk of being left behind.

According to education analysts, the root of the crisis lies in a deeply flawed structure that includes a backward curriculum, weak classroom instruction, and a failing examination system. On top of that, irregular and extended holidays—often caused by festivals and public examinations—are severely disrupting academic continuity.

The official academic calendar for 2024 lists 76 days of holidays. However, education insiders argue that the actual number is much higher. One key reason is that classes are suspended in thousands of schools during public exams like the SSC, though these closures aren’t reflected in the annual schedule.

A study conducted by the Mass Literacy Campaign revealed the depth of the issue. Presented during a consultation titled “Shikshaar Halchal o Agamir Bhabna” in February, the research examined school activity over a 14-month period from August 2023 to September 2024. Out of 427 days, schools remained open for only 148 days—while 279 days were lost to closures due to holidays, exams, or other reasons.

For example, schools were closed for half of August 2023 and for 18 days in January 2024. These disruptions have had a profound effect on student learning.

Due to these long academic breaks, students are often promoted to the next grade with significant learning deficiencies. Educators worry this trend may jeopardize their ability to succeed in public exams and beyond.

This year’s SSC exams underscored the problem. Numerous reports of students demanding auto-passes and cheating surfaced, raising concerns about preparedness and integrity. Experts fear that students passing without acquiring basic knowledge may fail to gain admission to quality universities or pursue meaningful careers—further fueling the country’s unemployment crisis.

The current education system is beginning to resemble a machine that produces jobless graduates, said one education analyst. “Without bold reforms, we are setting students up for long-term failure.”

A long-standing proposal to construct separate buildings for public examinations at the upazila level remains unimplemented. If realized, these centers would reduce the reliance on schools as exam venues, helping keep regular classes undisturbed.

There is also mounting pressure to limit government holidays around religious and national festivals to prevent extended academic disruptions. “Education demands routine, perseverance, and discipline,” said one education official. “But today, it feels more like an entertainment schedule.”

Unless structural and policy changes are made soon, experts warn that the nation will continue falling behind. The government is being urged to act decisively—introducing dedicated examination infrastructure, revising outdated curricula, and ensuring consistent academic calendars.

With students' futures on the line, the time for half-measures is over. Bangladesh must reimagine its education system not just to educate—but to empower.