Commercialisation of education a looming threat to our future

Education forms the very bedrock of a nation. It is when the hallowed light of knowledge illuminates every corner that a nation truly ascends the ladder of prosperity.

However, in Bangladesh today, amidst the turbulent currents of globalization, our educational institutions are afflicted by a dangerous malady: commercialization. Education, once a noble pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, has been transformed into a mere commodity in the bustling marketplace of profit-seeking enterprises.

This affliction is not confined to the esteemed halls of higher education; its venomous tendrils are progressively ensnaring the entirety of the education system, from primary schools upwards. It is as if a deadly canker has taken root in the very foundations of a mighty tree, gradually sapping its vitality. In this era of globalization, the aggressive commercialization of education has become a disquieting reality.

Education, the primary catalyst for human progress and the very foundation of a nation, is now being unabashedly exploited for commercial gain. This relentless pursuit of profit has turned education into a luxury item, accessible only to the affluent echelons of society. Talented yet economically disadvantaged students are being deprived of higher education, their potential stymied, their aspirations thwarted.

Consequently, the nation is deprived of the proper development of its human resources, and social disparity is widening uncontrollably. For instance, when a brilliant student, shackled by the chains of poverty, is unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints, it is not just an individual loss; the entire nation is deprived of the potential services of a future doctor, engineer, scientist, or educator.

One of the most detrimental consequences of this commercialization is the steady erosion of educational standards. Many institutions, driven solely by profit motives, are neglecting the crucial aspects of a conducive learning environment and necessary resources. Modern classrooms, well-stocked libraries, well-equipped laboratories, playgrounds, qualified teachers, and a student-friendly atmosphere - these essential elements are in a deplorable state. The emphasis on research is waning alarmingly, with an almost non-existent culture of intellectual inquiry in educational institutions.

Consequently, students are deprived of quality education and essential skills, which creates formidable barriers to their future employment prospects. When a student graduates with a mere certificate, lacking the practical skills needed in the real world, they not only face personal failure but also negatively impact the overall economic progress of the country.

Urgent action is imperative to reverse this ominous trend. The allure of elite English-medium schools, the rampant proliferation of coaching centers, the unchecked autonomy of private universities, and the powerful textbook syndicates - all starkly illustrate the current state of education. English-Medium Schools: Many English-medium schools mushrooming across Bangladesh, often attracting parents with their flashy advertisements, frequently fail to meet acceptable educational standards.

The exorbitant tuition fees at these institutions clearly underscore the commercialization of education. In many cases, students from these schools exhibit a concerning indifference towards Bengali language and culture, which may have adverse long-term implications for national identity.

Coaching Centers: Students today are increasingly reliant on coaching centers, hoping to achieve better exam results. This dependence undermines their creativity and stifles the development of independent thinking. This rote learning-based system is fostering unhealthy competition among students. Coaching centers have morphed into unethical hubs of educational profiteering.

Private Universities: Private universities undoubtedly play a significant role in expanding higher education in Bangladesh. However, many of these institutions are failing to maintain adequate educational standards. Uncontrolled tuition fees, the offering of irrelevant and substandard degrees, and a general apathy towards research are rampant problems. Many universities also suffer from an acute shortage of qualified faculty. As a result, students are failing to acquire the desired knowledge and skills, jeopardizing their future career prospects.

Textbook Syndicates: Textbook publishing has now become not just a means of disseminating knowledge, but a lucrative business. Every year, unnecessary new editions are published, imposing a heavy burden of book purchases on students. The stranglehold of this syndicate makes it impossible for many poor families to afford the necessary books for their children. The consequences of this trend are dire.

Social inequality is widening, educational standards are declining, and the nation's progress is being hampered due to the inadequate development of its human resources. When underprivileged yet talented students are denied higher education, the country loses its potential best assets. When education becomes a commodity, its inherent connection with moral values gradually erodes. Students are increasingly exhibiting unhealthy competition, dishonesty, and selfishness, which ultimately hinders national development.
Addressing this problem requires concerted efforts from the government, teachers, parents, students, and civil society. The government must impose stricter regulations on private educational institutions. A clearly defined policy framework needs to be formulated and effectively implemented.

The government must take necessary measures regarding tuition fee regulation and quality control of education. The public education system needs to be strengthened and modernized. Increased budgetary allocation to education, adequate infrastructure development, the design of relevant and updated curricula, and the creation of research opportunities will make public educational institutions more appealing. The doors of financial aid must be opened wider for meritorious but impoverished students. Their path to higher education needs to be facilitated through increased government scholarships and grants. Moreover, providing opportunities for free or subsidized education for financially disadvantaged students is of paramount importance. Regular training programs for teachers are essential to enhance their professional skills. Furthermore, ample opportunities for research must be created for them. The unbridled growth of the coaching center industry must be curbed through stringent regulations.

A specific policy framework and standards are needed in this regard. This policy should not only regulate the activities of coaching centers but also foster the development of students' creativity and independent thinking.

Transparency and fairness in textbook publication must be ensured. The Ministry of Education must maintain rigorous oversight regarding the quality and relevance of textbooks, ensuring that essential books are readily available to students from underprivileged backgrounds. Accountability in textbook writing, publication, and distribution must also be ensured.

The development of morality and ethical values among students must be prioritized. Educational institutions should emphasize moral education. Beyond textbook knowledge, students need to be instilled with patriotism, honesty, a sense of justice, and a spirit of altruism. The use of technology in education needs to be expanded. Education should be made more engaging and effective through the use of modern technology, enabling students to acquire new ideas and knowledge. The expansion and improvement of online education should also be prioritized.

Failing to counter this detrimental trend will not only shatter the dream of building an educated nation but also pose a significant long-term obstacle to the construction of a progressive and prosperous state. Therefore, only through collective and concerted efforts can we hope to curb this rampant commercialization of education.

Let us all unite to resist this encroachment on education, to build a knowledge-based society, and to unlock the doors of quality education for future generations. Let the closed doors of opportunity be flung open, revealing new horizons of knowledge and wisdom.