Finally 'unpaid' is the lower secondary level

The Ministry of Education aims to introduce unpaid education up to the lower secondary level, with plans to extend it to higher grades. Despite initial plans disrupted by the pandemic, the government, under Education Minister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, is reviving the initiative to combat dropout rates and provide skilled education. This strategy entails funding tuition fees directly to schools, ensuring equal access to education regardless of financial background. The focus is on expanding government primary schools up to class VIII, aligning with the 2010 education policy. While challenges persist, including infrastructure and training needs, stakeholders welcome the initiative as a step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of free education up to grade 12.