Bangladesh has made considerable progress in early childhood development (ECD) but various challenges remain, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas. It’s worth recalling that the authorities, through the National Children Policy 2011, set their sights on improving ECD programmes for children from birth to 8 years old. The aim is to lay a strong foundation for children’s cerebral, emotional, and social development while setting the stage for the nation’s socio-economic growth.
The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education are at the helm of these affairs. However, while pre-primary education (PPE) enrolment has improved, it continues to lag in rural and marginalised areas. Enrolment in pre-primary programmes in rural areas is drastically lower than urban centres like Dhaka, underscoring the disparity that impacts children’s readiness for primary school and their future learning outcomes.
Bangladesh’s ECD landscape is one of collective efforts. While the government plays a central role, organisations like UNICEF, Save the Children, and local NGOs provide technical support, funding, and on-the-ground services. These groups often target the gaps in coverage, particularly in remote areas where access is limited. Despite these collaborative efforts, substantial gaps remain. For example, community-based early childhood centres, known as Shishu Bikash Kendra, are a crucial state initiative aimed at bringing education closer to home. However, their success depends heavily on active community involvement, which remains inconsistent due to resource limitations. In many cases, these centres operate without adequate infrastructure or teaching materials, hampering their ability to deliver meaningful educational outcomes.
