Page 4 - Microsoft Word - Bangladesh_Diagnostic_E_final5.doc

PREFACE

The demand for high-quality and timely statistical data about education systems has
risen remarkably at both the national and international levels. Policymakers increasingly
require a range of indicators – access, participation, outcomes, etc. – for better
evidence-based planning and for measuring progress. In this context, improving the
quality and availability of education statistics is one area to which the Government of
Bangladesh is paying much attention these days. Furthermore, the recent devolution
process requires skills and capacities in the Education Management Information System
(EMIS) at the local level. Fortunately, there are a number of efforts underway in
Bangladesh to further improve the quality and availability of education statistics.

Having reliable data mostly depends on having a good data collection system, as well
as appropriate data dissemination. Like many other developing countries, Bangladesh is
also facing various issues and problems in education statistics. It is important to
understand the root causes of these challenges so as to systematically resolve and
overcome such obstacles. In this regard, MOE has set up, with technical support from
the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, a national committee to analyse holistically and
comprehensively Bangladesh’s method of collection, processing, dissemination and
utilization of education statistics. This report is a result of the committee’s collective
efforts.

It is hoped that this document, which contains a wealth of insight and information, will be
useful in the preparation of a realistic and well-conceived statistical capacity building
action plan for education statistics. The implementation of such a plan would lead to
better coverage, timeliness and quality statistics for planners and decision-makers at
the national level, as well as for the international community, to monitor progress
towards both Education for All (EFA) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Comments and suggestions about the findings are welcome, and we look forward to
building upon them. Through strengthened cooperation with national and international
partners, we are confident that the very important tasks of formulating and implementing
activities that will strengthen our national capacity on education statistics can be
successfully achieved.

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