History of DPE

DPE History

HISTORY OF PRIMARY EDUCTION IN BANGLADESH

During the British Rule

In the ancient times and the middle ages the indigenous education system which evolved in the Indian subcontinent was predominantly theological and philosophical in approach. The system alienated itself from the common people. It was the British who introduced and implemented what is now known as the modern education system.
William Adam, in his education report, stressed the following points:

• Collection of district- wise information on education.
• Introducing textbook in various mother tongues.
• Placement of an inspector in every district to implement the education plan.
• Establishment of the Normal School System of training of teachers.
• Encouraging the teaching the profession by allocation of land as incentive.
• Introduction of Scholarships through competitive examinations.

The Wood's Education Despatch of 1854 was a significant example of the efforts to the modernization of education by the British rulers in Bengal. Following its recommendation a Department of Public Instruction was created in 1855-56. The department was placed posts of Inspectors were created. The Despatch also advocated for encouraging initiatives to establish private education institutions.
Lord Curzon took some steps for expanding primary education. In 1910, Gopal Krishna Gokhale placed a bill in the Law Council for making primary education compulsory. The bill was, however, rejected in 1912, a bill making primary education compulsory in the Municipal areas was passed.
With the provision of limited autonomy in the Indian Book Act of 1921, Bengal (Rural) Primary Education Act was enacted in 1930. For over a decade after this, there was hardly any follow up action. Under this act, District School Boards were set up to control, direct and manage the dissemination of education, to reach ultimately the goal of universal, compulsory and free education. Although primary education was controlled, directed and managed by the Director of Public Instruction, and the schools were inspected by the District, Subdivision or Circle Offices (comprising one or more Thanas/Upazillas) the direct administrative responsibility laid solely with the Zilla (District) School Boards.
After the Second World War, the Sergeant Commission Report (1944), for the development of education was published. It was the first report to recognize pre-primary education. As the British rule ended in 1947, the Sergeant Commission Report remained unimplemented.