Degrees without skills, education without subject-specific knowledge

Education serves as a crucial foundation for the development of any nation, underpinning economic advancement, social improvement, and political stability. In Bangladesh, although notable progress has been achieved in broadening access to education, especially at the primary level, significant challenges persist that must be addressed to reform the education system effectively.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of students achieve GPA 5. In 2022, nearly 2.5 lakh students obtained GPA 5 in the SSC examination. This number is increasing annually. But does this result truly reflect students' skills and knowledge?

The reality is that many GPA 5 achievers face numerous problems at the next level, especially when they reach university. This raises the question: Is GPA 5 really an indicator of students' overall competence?

The current evaluation system encourages rote learning, which hinders students' creativity and acquisition of practical knowledge. Exam questions often follow patterns from previous years, encouraging students to memorize answers to specific types of questions.

Moreover, there has been an increase in trends such as question paper leaks, cheating, and other unfair means to obtain good results. These factors are calling into question the value and acceptability of GPA 5.

Most graduates are attracted to government jobs, which hinders the creation of entrepreneurs. Government jobs are perceived as permanent and secure. Government jobs are still seen as a symbol of high status in society. Many are reluctant to take the risk of starting their own business.

If this mentality doesn't change, it will hamper the creation of new employment opportunities and economic growth in the country. Many graduates are unable to find jobs. Industries are not getting employees with the necessary skills. Many jobs have to be done through foreign experts. Thus Bangladesh is falling behind in competition in the international market.

Bangladesh's education system is facing a crucial transformation. Instead of just increasing the number of GPA 5s, we need to create human resources with practical skills and knowledge. Only through this can we build a developed and prosperous Bangladesh.

This reform of the education system is a long-term process. To make it successful, concerted efforts are needed from the government, educational institutions, the industrial sector, and people from all levels of society. If we start this process of change today, Bangladesh can become a knowledge-based, technology-dependent, and innovative economy in the coming decade.

By turning current challenges into opportunities, we can build a strong and competitive education system that will produce skilled human resources not only for Bangladesh but for the entire world. To reach this goal, we all need to work together and move forward keeping in mind the true meaning and purpose of education.