Reduce dropout rate in primary schools

The rate of primary education in Bangladesh is increasing significantly. Every year more students are enrolling in school than the previous year; but in contrast, a disappointing picture has recently emerged. That is, after 14 years the number of students dropping out of primary schools has started to rise again. In Bangladesh most students begin to drop out from primary school; but in past years that number had been reduced. This sudden rise this year is causing concern among those involved in education.

According to a report published in the media yesterday (31 August), after 14 consecutive years of decline, the dropout rate in primary education increased again last year. This information, revealed in a government report, is being seen as a major blow for the education system. According to the Annual Primary School Statistics (APSS) 2024 published by the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) at the end of last month, the dropout rate in 2023 was 13.15 percent. Within one year it has risen to 16.25 percent. The report states that the increase in dropouts has been caused by various factors including financial pressure from inflation and early entry into the labour market.

As a result, many families are being forced to send their children into the labour market at an early age, giving up their education due to financial crisis. The report further states that boys drop out more than girls. In 2023, the dropout rate for boys was 14.12 percent, which rose to 19.02 percent in 2024. On the other hand, the dropout rate for girls rose from 12.32 percent to 13.36 percent. At present, more than 16 million children are studying in 118,607 primary schools across the country.

The report noted that when students move to higher grades the dropout rate rises. This indicates that as students progress through the stages of primary education they face increasing challenges. According to the report, in 2024 the real value of stipends for students has declined due to inflation and rising living costs. As a result, many families have prioritised survival over the education of their children. Family crises and climate-related hardships have further intensified this pressure among poor and marginalised groups.

It also said that boys are more at risk of dropping out because they are compelled to enter the labour market at an early age or get involved in apprenticeships. Experts have warned that this reverse trend in retaining students could become a major obstacle in ensuring universal education and achieving the sustainable development goals in Bangladesh. To prevent dropouts, experts have suggested introducing stipends adjusted to inflation and interventions in certain specific areas.

The issue of students dropping out of primary school is alarming in many ways. On the one hand, it will negatively affect overall education, and on the other, it will increase child labour, unemployment and various forms of criminal tendency in society. Countless children will be deprived of moral education and socio-cultural discipline. Education-related persons and social researchers should look more closely into the causes of dropouts and take the necessary steps to prevent them.

The government should take appropriate action on this matter immediately. There is no scope to take the issue lightly. The entire matter has far-reaching social, political, cultural and economic significance. Without reducing the cost of living and without improving the overall environment of education, there is no way out of this situation.