HIGHER education plays a vital role in a country鈥檚 development, serving as a conduit for nurturing the knowledge and skills of its people. Since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh鈥檚 higher education sector has grown considerably, with the establishment of numerous public and private universities significantly expanding access to education. Despite these advancements, the sector faces entrenched challenges that hinder its potential to drive individual empowerment, economic development and social progress. Systemic inequities, inefficiencies, resource constraints and socioeconomic disparities continue to plague students, educators and policymakers alike.听
One of the most pressing issues confronting higher education in Bangladesh is the dearth of cutting-edge infrastructure. Public universities, which accommodate the majority of students, often lack the physical facilities needed to foster effective learning and research. Overcrowded classrooms, inadequate libraries and inefficient laboratory equipment are commonplace in these institutions. While the number of universities has risen significantly over the past few decades, this increase has not kept pace with the growth in student numbers. Private universities, on the other hand, frequently fall short in providing adequate infrastructure, which compromises the quality of education. The resulting gap in facilities hampers students鈥� academic engagement and limits teachers鈥� ability to adopt innovative pedagogical methods.
Governance and management challenges further exacerbate the issues within the higher education sector. Public universities are often burdened by bureaucratic inefficiencies and political interference, with administrative appointments, faculty recruitment, and even curricular decisions frequently influenced by political agendas rather than academic merit. This politicisation undermines institutional independence and erodes the credibility of the education system. Private universities are not immune to governance issues either. Many operate with limited accountability and transparency, treating education as a business venture rather than a public service. This lack of regulation enables the proliferation of substandard institutions, further diluting the quality of higher education.
The delivery of education is another area of concern. While expanding access to higher education is a commendable achievement, it often comes at the expense of quality. Many universities continue to operate with outdated curricula that fail to align with the demands of the job market. Lecture-based teaching remains the norm, with little emphasis on interactive or practical learning, leaving students ill-prepared to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Compounding this issue is the shortage of qualified faculty. A significant number of universities rely on part-time or less experienced instructors, as they struggle to attract and retain skilled academics. This deficit in teaching quality directly impacts student outcomes, diminishing the value of higher education.
Research, a cornerstone of higher education, remains woefully neglected in Bangladesh. Insufficient funding, inadequate facilities and a lack of incentives for academics have created a research culture that is both underdeveloped and undervalued. Most universities allocate only a fraction of their budgets to research activities, limiting opportunities for faculty and students to engage in meaningful scholarly work. Moreover, ineffective collaboration between universities and industries stifles innovation, preventing research outcomes from being translated into practical applications. This disconnect not only undermines the relevance of academic research but also restricts its potential to drive socio-economic development.
Socio-economic disparities and regional imbalances further limit access to higher education. Urban centres host the majority of universities, leaving rural areas with limited opportunities. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds face significant barriers to entry, as top-tier universities often charge exorbitant fees and necessitate high urban living costs. Moreover, inadequate preparation at the secondary education level leaves many students ill-equipped to succeed in higher education. Private universities, despite their growing numbers, remain financially out of reach for many, exacerbating social inequalities and depriving talented individuals from disadvantaged communities of the chance to pursue higher education.
Additionally, the limited emphasis on technical and vocational education leaves many graduates unprepared for emerging fields, further widening the divide between education and employability.
Financial constraints pose yet another challenge for both higher education institutions and students. Public universities rely heavily on government funding, which is often insufficient to cover operating and development expenses. This financial shortfall affects everything from infrastructure maintenance to faculty salaries and research funding. Private universities, on the other hand, depend primarily on tuition fees, making higher education unaffordable for a significant portion of the population. The lack of robust scholarship programmes or student loan facilities further compounds the issue, leaving economically disadvantaged students with few viable options for pursuing higher education.
Cultural and societal attitudes also contribute to the challenges facing higher education in Bangladesh. The prevailing focus on obtaining a degree often overshadows the importance of developing critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills. This degree-oriented mindset conflicts with the broader objectives of higher education, which include fostering innovation and lifelong learning. Additionally, societal norms and expectations frequently discourage women from pursuing higher education or restrict their choice of fields, exacerbating gender imbalances in certain disciplines and professions.
Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving the government, educational institutions and other stakeholders. Improving the quality of education necessitates increased investment in infrastructure, faculty development and research. Revising curricula to align with market demands and incorporating practical training opportunities can help bridge the skills gap and enhance employability. Strengthening the regulatory framework for private universities is essential to ensure accountability and maintain educational standards.
Equity in access to higher education must also be prioritised. Expanding university outreach to underprivileged areas and providing financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students can help reduce socio-economic disparities. Enhancing the employability of graduates and fostering innovation will require stronger partnerships between universities and industries. Finally, promoting a culture of education that values critical thinking, creativity and lifelong learning is crucial for building a more dynamic and inclusive higher education system.
While Bangladesh has made significant strides in expanding access to higher education, the full potential of the sector remains untapped. Systemic inefficiencies, socio-economic inequalities and a lack of focus on quality and innovation continue to impede progress. Overcoming these challenges will require bold reforms and sustained efforts to develop a higher education system that is equitable, high-quality and responsive to the needs of society and the economy. By addressing these shortcomings, Bangladesh can harness the transformative power of higher education to drive its development and build an empowered, inclusive society.
听
Sohan Reza is a lecturer in English at the Rajshahi Shikkha Board Govt Model School and College, and head of program, Radio Padma 99.2 FM.
