ADB to continue support for primary education quality, eyes non-formal education, skills
Staff Correspondent
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ongoing reforms and quality enhancement in Bangladesh’s primary education sector, while expressing keen interest in expanding cooperation into non-formal education and skill development.
ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Qingfeng Zhang conveyed this interest during a courtesy call on State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka on Thursday.
During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on improving primary education standards, enhancing classroom learning effectiveness, the Fifth Primary Education Development Program (PEDP-5), and avenues for future development partnership.
Highlighting long-standing investments in school infrastructure, teacher training, curriculum development, learning materials, and school improvement grants, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj stressed that ensuring tangible returns requires direct monitoring of classroom teaching effectiveness and student competency attainment.
ADB Country Director Qingfeng Zhang lauded the state minister's ongoing reform drives, field-level school inspections, and direct engagement with teachers.
Primary and Mass Education Secretary Md. Daud Miah attended the meeting alongside an ADB delegation comprising Human and Social Development Director Gi Soon Song, Project Officer Faiza Ahmed, and Programs Officer Farin Islam.
