Bangladesh secondary enrolment drops 400,000 as madrasah, English schools surge

Secondary school enrolment in Bangladesh contracted by approximately 400,000 students within a single year, marking a notable reversal in the country's education sector trends. The decline in conventional secondary institutions comes as parents increasingly opt for alternative schooling models that have expanded their market presence across urban and rural areas.

Madrasah education has experienced particular growth, capitalizing on demand for Islamic-focused curricula alongside conventional subjects. Similarly, English-medium schools have strengthened their position in the educational landscape, attracting students whose families prioritize English proficiency for competitive advantage in the job market and higher education.

Education analysts attribute the shift to multiple factors, including parents' perception that alternative institutions offer superior quality, specialized instruction, or better preparation for international examinations. The growth of private English-medium schools reflects broader aspirations for global competitiveness among Bangladesh's middle and upper-middle classes.

The data underscores significant structural changes within Bangladesh's education system, where the traditional secondary school model faces increasing competition. Education officials have not yet publicly commented on strategies to address the enrolment decline in conventional institutions or measures to ensure equitable access to quality education across all school types.