Overview
Bangladesh first came into existence in 1971. Bangladesh seceded from West Pakistan and became the world’s 139th countries. The country is located in southern Asia on the Bay of Bengal, bordered by India and Burma. Annual flooding that covers one-third of the country combined with famine has caused Bangladesh to experience a tumultuous thirty-three years. After a short but bloody war Bangladesh won its independence, but it was completely decimated. During its first three years of independence, the new country experienced famine. The weather and famine have hampered economic development in this poor country. During the 1980’s the military government often made promises of elections to be held “soon,” however, there were no elections until 1991 when democracy was re-established. Currently Bangladesh has a parliamentary democracy, with a primarily ceremonial president.
Education
Education in Bangladesh is closely related to education in India and Pakistan, since Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan until 1971. Its modern system of universities was established based on the British model. Currently, Bangladesh’s education system is overseen by their Ministry of Education.
Primary and Secondary Education
The educational system is divided into 4 levels. Primary is grades one through five, secondary is grades six through ten, and higher secondary includes grades eleven and twelve. Today the typical student interested in higher education completes 12 years of primary and secondary education. The 12 year Higher Secondary Certificate is the minimum requirement to continue to higher education.
Post-Secondary Education
After twelve years of study the student is eligible to pursue post secondary education that ranges in length from two years to twelve years and results in a variety of degrees. Completion of the Bachelor’s degree may lead to further study in graduate level programs. Bangladesh has a wide variety of post-graduate degree paths, including professional degrees such as medicine and law, and academic degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
