It is well recognized that education is one of the key elements for building the knowledge base of the people and one of the ways to remove poverty of the country men. In The Constitution of the people’s republic of Bangladesh directs to the state “to adopt effective measures for establishing universal system of education and extending free and compulsory education to all children and removing illiteracy.” It is expected that the whole gamut to primary, secondary, tertiary a non-formal education activities will establish a truly empowered knowledge-based society to meet the challenges of the 21 century. Deprivation of access to education is a key element of poverty. PRSP-II describe that the education system in Bangladesh is not yet pro-poor (Moving Ahead 2008:19) so it would be excessive to term it sensitive from gender perspective.

We all know that education is the one of the thirst sector to our development and initiatives from government also reflects to this attitude. Different initiatives have been taken by the government over the last three decades and it is also true that we have seen different positive affect in the education system as well as literacy rate.

The term gender in education is not very contemporary but still has to discuss on it. Education from gender perspective refers to whether girls are treating equally in schools, curriculum, extracurricular and governance as well.

GAZI MAHBUBUL ALAM, PhD

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I often find myself criticising governments worldwide for failing to create opportunities for poor people, especially in the education sector. We certainly should be critical, but must also realise that, as a responsible society, we cannot and should not leave everything to the government and non-governmental organisation (NGOs). The education sector is not exclusively the obligation of the government. If the governments and NGOs cannot cope with the responsibility, then why shouldn't the private sector do something to balance the lack of good education?

In many developing countries, public education leaves a lot to be desired. Teachers are not as motivated to show up regularly, perhaps because they do not feel accountable to the students, but instead to distant government officials. Public school teachers and their unions are sometimes politically divisive; in this connection, the problems in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Mexico come to mind. On the other hand, the infrastructure of classrooms could be seriously improved; often the infrastructure is below the average standards of a respectful educative environment.

Studies by the World Bank and the World Economic Forum have shown that entrepreneurs are realising that there is a demand for private education services. The concerned people are also starting to "invest" in private education for their children. Derek Newberry and Seema Patel of NextBillion have blogged about this very issue before -- on how there are new private schools in poor areas that charge $1.0 or $2.0 USD a month and provide better education.