Education in Bangladesh and Russia: Bridging gaps, building futures

Since the light of civilisation spreads, education has been one of the strongest drivers of economic growth and social progress. But different countries pursue this goal through diverse systems based on their history, culture and national priorities.

Bangladesh and Russia have two contrasting yet enlightening models of education. Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in expanding access to education over the past several decades, while Russia boasts one of the world's oldest and most comprehensive education systems with a strong emphasis on science, technology and research.

Bangladesh has made sure significant improvement in its literacy rates, school enrolment and gender parity since its independence in 1971. Primary education is compulsory and free in government schools here, though there are numerous private institutions to offer education at a variety of costs.

Secondary and higher education also have similar types of institutions.

Government initiatives, including stipend programmes, and assistance from development partners have helped increase enrolment, particularly among girls, making Bangladesh an internationally recognised example of progress in inclusive education.

Russia, by contrast, has inherited a well-established education system from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) era. The country promotes a highly structured education framework focusing on universal access, academic excellence and scientific innovation.

Education is regarded as a strategic national priority, producing generations of engineers, scientists, doctors, researchers and many other professionals who have contributed significantly to global advancement.

Structure of education

Bangladesh’s education system generally consists of pre-primary, five years of primary education, five years of secondary education and two years of higher secondary education before students get admitted to universities or other higher education institutions.

Apart from the general education stream, the country also has madrasa education, a system based on religious subjects and teachings, and technical and vocational education and training, each aiming to cater to different educational and professional needs. 

Russia follows a more integrated structure. Children usually begin preschool education before entering primary school. General education comprises primary, basic general and secondary general education.

After completing compulsory schooling, students can either continue academic studies or pursue vocational education. The country’s higher education system follows the internationally recognised bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree framework.

Access and enrolment

Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in expanding educational access. Primary school enrolment is now nearly universal, while female participation has augmented sharply due to stipend programmes and targeted government policies. The country has narrowed the gender gap in education, with girls now often outnumbering boys at the secondary level.

These are achievements indeed. But Bangladesh continues to face challenges. School dropout rates, average quality of education, teacher shortages, lack of training of teachers, outdated syllabus, commercialisation, and disparities between urban and rural schools are still important issues in the education system of Bangladesh, which have been preventing the country from obtaining the global standard. Many schools struggle with overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure and limited learning resources.

In contrast, high literacy and enrolment rates in all educational levels across Russia have created a different repute for the country. Most children complete compulsory education, and a large proportion receive vocational or higher education following completion of their basic education.

Public education is affordable and widely accessible in Russia with strong support from the state. The country enjoys a well-developed network of schools and universities as well.

Curriculum and learning approach

Bangladesh’s curriculum has undergone several reforms aiming to promote competency-based learning instead of memorisation. Authorities have introduced modern textbooks, revised assessment methods and digital learning initiatives to elevate the quality of education.

Many educators, however, claim that examination-orientated teaching and private coaching centres remain widespread, shrinking opportunities for critical thinking and creativity.

Russia gives strong emphasis on mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, and information technology from an early stage. Besides, students receive rigorous academic training, while specialised schools often nurture talents in science, music, sports and the arts.

Alongside these, the country’s curriculum also includes strong foundations in literature, history and foreign languages.

Higher education

Bangladesh currently has around 60 public universities and a steadily growing private university sector. Most of the students here aspire to get admission to public universities due to lower tuition fees and reportedly good academicians, while private universities have lengthened access to higher education, particularly in business, engineering and information technology.

Concerns don’t reduce when it comes to research capacity, graduate employability, university governance and the alignment of higher education with labour market needs. Investment in research and innovation remains relatively limited compared with many developed countries.

Yet Russia’s higher education system is internationally recognised for its strength in science, engineering, medicine and technology. A number of universities, including Lomonosov Moscow State University, Saint Petersburg State University, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia and Bauman Moscow State Technical University, draw students from different corners of the world, and the government invests in research, innovation and global academic cooperation to confirm places of Russian universities in global rankings.

Technology and digital education

Bangladesh and Russia are increasingly embracing digital education, although at different stages of development.

Bangladesh paced up online learning during the coronavirus pandemic, introducing televised classes, digital platforms and virtual classrooms. The country has continued this, investing in digital infrastructure under its broader digital transformation agenda, though internet connectivity and access to devices have yet to achieve the desired goal, particularly in rural areas.

Russia has integrated digital technologies extensively into education. Many schools in the country use digital textbooks, online learning platforms, virtual laboratories and electronic assessment systems, while universities also offer numerous online degree programmes and distance-learning opportunities.

Technical and vocational education

Addressing the importance of skilled manpower, Bangladesh has been extending technical and vocational education, eyeing the domestic and overseas labour markets. Polytechnic institutes and technical schools here play a growing role in workforce development, though enrolment is yet to achieve the target compared with general education.

In such a situation, Russia is enjoying the fruits of its long tradition of vocational education, which is closely linked to industrial development. Technical colleges there work in partnership with industries, ensuring graduates possess practical skills that match labour market requirements in manufacturing, energy, transportation and advanced technology sectors.

Challenges and future priorities

Keeping aside all these notable achievements, Bangladesh needs to address the significant challenges it faces. It has to work more intensively in improving learning outcomes, teachers’ training, research capacity, financing education and ensuring equitable access to quality education.

These are really important as the country dreams of building a skilled workforce capable of supporting its ambition of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.

Russia, on the other hand, continues to focus on modernising its education system, expanding international collaboration, advancing scientific research and adapting curricula to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and digital engineering. Demographic changes and maintaining global academic competitiveness remain among its long-term priorities.

The tradition and history of the education system in Bangladesh and Russia are considerably different, but both countries recognise education as the most essential tool to build their future. Bangladesh’s achievements in expanding educational access and promoting gender equality reflect its policy commitment, while Russia’s focus on scientific excellence and research reflects years of investment in knowledge and innovation.

As both countries have no disagreement in reforming their education systems, they illustrate that quality education remains fundamental to building resilient economies, fostering innovation and preparing future generations for an increasingly interconnected world.