Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) can play a significant role in improving the quality of education, increasing student attendance, and reducing dropout rates. Research shows that schools with effective PTAs experience substantially lower dropout rates and higher student attendance, while also providing greater support for students’ mental health and wellbeing.
Education stakeholders emphasised that improving the quality of education requires strong and effective partnerships among schools, families, and communities. The National Education Policy 2010 advocates for the establishment of active PTAs to address student dropout and support overall school development. To realise their full potential, these associations require clear and specific implementation guidelines. Effective PTAs can strengthen teacher accountability and encourage greater parental awareness and involvement in their children’s education.
Speakers shared these views at a knowledge dissemination session held today, Sunday, 21 June 2026, at BRAC Centre in Mohakhali, Dhaka. The event, titled “Knowledge Dissemination on PTA Strengthening and FLN Catch-up Initiative Inception: Learning Together”, was organised by BRAC Education Programme. Key stakeholders from the government, non-governmental development organisations, and the education sector participated in the event.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Md Shakhawat Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, said, “One of the major concerns in our education system is that many students drop out before reaching the SSC examination. One reason behind this is that students often fail to understand lessons in the classroom. To address this, efforts have been made to ensure teacher accountability and bring struggling students back on track through diagnostic assessments. The government is working to raise primary education to global standards.”
Safi Rahman Khan, Director of BRAC’s Education, Skills Development and Migration Programme, said, “Ensuring sustainable development and accountability in the education system cannot rely solely on a centralised structure. A new social movement is needed to strengthen parents’ awareness of both their responsibilities and rights in ensuring quality education.”