The recent spike in the dropout rate at primary schools is causing significant concern after a consistent decrease over the past 14 years. The 2024 Annual Primary School Statistics (APSS) report from the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) shows a rise in the primary school dropout rate to 16.25 percent in 2024, up from 13.15 percent in 2023. Data indicates that dropout rates tend to rise as students progress to higher grades, suggesting that many encounter increasing difficulties as they move through the school system. Of particular worry is the high dropout rate among boys, which surged to 19.02 percent in 2024 from 14.12 percent in 2023, while the rate for girls saw a slight increase to 13.36 percent from 12.32 percent. It is crucial for authorities to address the underlying causes of this sudden reversal to prevent a regression from the progress achieved in boosting primary school enrollment and reducing dropout rates over the years.
In 2010, almost 40% of students reportedly did not finish the primary education cycle. Since then, Bangladesh has made significant advancements through initiatives like the distribution of free textbooks, expanded stipend coverage, and provision of mid-day meals. By 2020, the dropout rate decreased to 17.02 percent from 39.8 percent in 2010, further dropping to 13.15 percent in 2023, showcasing remarkable improvement. However, political turmoil during and after the July uprising last year led to significant disruptions throughout the education sector, affecting schools and colleges. The DPE report highlighted various factors contributing to the rise in dropout rates, including inflation and living cost increases potentially reducing the real value of student stipends, thereby making education less affordable for many families. Seasonal migration, economic shocks at the household level, and climate-related challenges exacerbated these issues, especially among marginalized communities.
As the nation aims to progress towards universal education and achieve Sustainable Development Goals, it is imperative not to regress on the hard-won strides in this area. Urging the government to tackle the problem through targeted measures, such as adjusting stipends for inflation, reinstating the school feeding program, and providing students with free or discounted educational materials like exercise books, pens, and pencils, is essential. Experts emphasize the significance of increased investment in primary education to retain students in school and ensure quality learning. It is hoped that the government will effectively implement these recommendations.