The World Bank

Literacy is a necessary though not sufficient for economic development. As Bangladesh strives to raise the living standards of its population, the present accepted high level of literacy restricts the country’s potential for development in the areas of economic growth, education and the quality of life of its citizens. It is well nigh impossible to state with any degree of confidence what the illiteracy rate is as definitions of illiteracy have changed over recent decades and the existing measures lack validity. The present study expands on traditional concepts of literacy.

This comprehensive Education Sector Review has been published in three separate volumes. Volume III focuses on Technical-Vocational Education and Training, and Higher Education in Bangladesh. These background reports on the Education Sector Review present a detailed analysis of the various parts of the system. The crucial issues plaguing the technical-vocational and higher education sector are examined and necessary steps for the future outlined. Each sub-sector paper concludes with a possible strategy of objectives and means.