'Launch movement to raise standard of primary edn'

They said the movement would have to be spread out across the country to create general public opinion in its support.

The discussion, organised by Sushikkha Andolon, an initiative by noted citizens and academicians, was held at the National Press Club in the city.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud, an eminent economist, said the citizens are the only force to resolve all problems including education in the country. "They are not third force, but the only force," he added.

Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, an educationist and environmentalist, said it will not be difficult to involve the entire nation with the Sushikkha Andolon (movement for proper education) as everybody wants quality education.

"We have seen parents and guardians flocking to only a few schools in the city which provide standard education. This proves that how much anxious they are for quality education of their children," he added.

Prof Ainun Nisat said he had seen many boys and girls who could not write even correct Bangla and English which they were supposed to achieve at the primary level.

Rasheda K Chowdhury said the demand for quality education has already been developed among the rural poor communities.

She said 20 million children became eligible for primary education this year and of them 18 millions have been admitted.

The rest two millions comprising the children of indigenous communities and physically challenged were excluded, she added.

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, coordinator of the Sushikkha Andolon, said it is high time to initiate a movement for quality education as even poor families of rural areas are now ready to pay for it.

As part of its programme, the organisers of the movement will hold national debate and opinion exchange meeting with the policy makers this year.

Ahmed Kamal Mohammad Mohsin, Mamataj Jahan, Mohammad Ibrahim and Begum Rokeya also took part in the discussion.