ATIFA ANJUMAN
Education is one of the main pillars of societal progress, yet significant gaps persist due to socioeconomic disparities, geographic location, and unequal access to resources. Governments play a crucial role in addressing these disparities by implementing policies and initiatives that promote equal educational opportunities for all. From funding public schools and providing financial aid to enacting inclusive policies and improving teacher training, government intervention is essential in bridging education gaps. However, there remains a stark disparity in the quality of education between urban and rural areas. Urban schools in Bangladesh benefit from superior infrastructure. They have well-constructed school buildings, proper sanitation facilities, electricity, and internet connectivity. Many urban schools are equipped with multimedia classrooms, libraries, and laboratories, providing students with an interactive and comprehensive learning experience. In contrast, rural schools often lack even the basic infrastructure required for effective education. Many schools operate in poorly maintained buildings with inadequate sanitation facilities, insufficient classroom space, and limited electricity. The absence of multimedia classrooms and laboratories restricts students from engaging in practical and technological learning, creating a significant disadvantage compared to their urban counterparts.
Urban schools tend to attract more qualified and experienced teachers due to better salary packages, professional development opportunities, and a relatively comfortable working environment. Many urban teachers hold advanced degrees and receive training in modern pedagogical techniques, ensuring a higher standard of education delivery. Additionally, teachers in urban areas have greater exposure to educational seminars, workshops, and digital learning tools. One of the major issues in rural education is the lack of qualified teachers. Many rural schools suffer from teacher shortages due to low salaries, lack of professional growth, and difficult living conditions. As a result, some subjects, especially science and mathematics, are often taught by unqualified or substitute teachers. The absence of teacher training programs in rural areas further exacerbates the problem, leading to a decline in the overall quality of education.
Urban schools are more likely to implement modern and interactive teaching methodologies. Schools in cities frequently use digital platforms, smart classrooms, and audio-visual aids to enhance learning. The introduction of e-learning tools, such as online courses and virtual laboratories, has made education more dynamic and engaging. Furthermore, urban schools often emphasize student-centered learning, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Conversely, rural schools rely heavily on traditional rote learning methods. The lack of resources, including computers and internet access, prevents teachers from adopting modern teaching techniques. Due to larger class sizes and fewer teachers, rural students often experience passive learning, where memorization is prioritized over conceptual understanding. This hampers their ability to compete with urban students in higher education and job markets.
Urban students have access to a wide range of educational resources, including textbooks, reference materials, libraries, and online learning platforms. Many urban schools have collaborations with international educational organizations, providing students with updated curricula and global learning experiences. Moreover, private tutoring is prevalent in urban areas, further enhancing students’ academic performance. In rural areas, students often struggle with a lack of textbooks, inadequate libraries, and insufficient access to digital learning tools. Many families cannot afford supplementary study materials, and government-supplied books are sometimes delayed. Additionally, the absence of internet facilities limits students’ exposure to online educational resources, restricting their ability to acquire diverse knowledge.
The socio-economic status of families plays a crucial role in determining the quality of education a child receives. Urban families generally have higher income levels, allowing them to invest in private schools, coaching centers, and extracurricular activities. Parents in urban areas are often more educated, enabling them to provide academic support at home and emphasize the importance of education. Rural families, on the other hand, face economic hardships that directly impact children’s education. Many rural children are engaged in household or agricultural work, reducing their school attendance and study time. Additionally, low parental literacy rates mean that rural students receive little to no academic support at home. In some cases, financial constraints force students to drop out of school to support their families. Urban schools generally provide better gender-inclusive education, with equal opportunities for both boys and girls. Many urban institutions promote female education through scholarships, awareness programs, and safe school environments. As a result, the literacy rate among urban girls has significantly improved over the years. In rural areas, gender disparity remains a major concern.
The government, in collaboration with private organizations, has introduced several initiatives to improve urban education. Program like the Secondary Education Quality and Access Enhancement Project (SEQAEP) have contributed to better educational standards in urban schools. While similar policies exist for rural education, their implementation often faces obstacles such as corruption, lack of monitoring, and logistical issues. For example, the distribution of free textbooks in rural schools is sometimes delayed, and government-funded school meal programs do not always reach the intended beneficiaries. Urban students have greater access to prestigious universities, career counseling, and skill development programs, which significantly enhance their prospects for higher education and employment. Many urban students also receive training in English and computer literacy, increasing their competitiveness in the global job market. Rural students, due to their weaker educational foundations and lack of guidance, often struggle to gain admission to top universities. Many rural students fail competitive entrance exams due to inadequate preparation and limited access to quality coaching. Even when they do secure admission, financial difficulties and lack of accommodation options in cities pose additional challenges.
The quality of education in Bangladesh varies significantly between urban and rural areas due to differences in infrastructure, teacher availability, socio-economic factors, and access to resources. While urban students benefit from advanced facilities and modern teaching methods, rural students continue to face multiple challenges. The government should prioritize the development of rural school infrastructure by building more classrooms, ensuring proper sanitation, and providing electricity and internet access. Investments in multimedia classrooms and science labs will help bridge the technology gap between urban and rural schools. To attract and retain qualified teachers in rural areas, the government should offer financial incentives, housing facilities, and professional development opportunities.
Teacher training programs should be expanded to rural areas to equip educators with modern teaching techniques. Raising awareness among rural parents about the importance of education can lead to better student attendance and performance. Community-based learning centers and adult education programs can help bridge the literacy gap between rural parents and children. Addressing these disparities requires a multi-faceted approach involving government intervention, private sector participation, and community engagement. By bridging the urban-rural education gap, Bangladesh can ensure equitable access to quality education for all, fostering national development and social progress.
ATIFA ANJUMAN is a Broadcast Journalist and News Presenter of Independent Television
