Bangladesh Studies

On the threshold of the 21st century, about a quarter of the world's people do not share in the march of civilization. Over half of the World's absolute poor, who also happen to be half of the world's illiterates, are concentrated in South Asia. The history of industrialized countries unambiguously teach us that quality primary education for all children is an essential condition for a nation to move out of the vicious cycle of poverty and illiteracy. The lessons of history have been recognized by Bangladesh. This book tells the story of primary education in Bangladesh.

About 18 million of Bangladesh's 130 million population, are in the primary school age (6-10 years) group. Nearly 80 percent of these children are now attending school. Some studies have raised questions about the quality of education imparted in the schools. This report presents results from a new study that looks at the quality aspect more comprehensively. It is done for both formal and non-formal sub-systems by (i) assessing students completing the primary cycle against a set of terminal competencies recommended by the government and (ii) by studying the state of teacher education.

“Khuda Buksh: The Pioneer of Life Insurance in Bangladesh” brings to life a forgotten era in Bangladesh and Pakistan's history, in narrating the story of one man and his team who laid the foundation for the life insurance industry in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Between 1930 and 1970, Khuda Buksh worked tirelessly to establish the insurance business in the South Asia region, amid enormous political upheaval and overcoming engrained religious and cultural prejudices against life insurance.

How to organize rural people for development? Azizur Rahman Patwari of Panchagram shows the way. Integrated village development is the key to the door of prosperity and happiness of the people of Bangladesh, for 90% of them live in villages. This process requires the introduction by the Government of a viable local and village government system for village administration and rural infrastructure development. Within such a facilitating environment local entrepreneurs and community leaders can improve the social and economic condition and quality of life.