§ 1Short title
The Primary Education (Compulsory) Act, 1990 makes primary education compulsory in Bangladesh. It applies to all children aged 6 to 10 years residing within the areas where the Act has been brought into force. The Act imposes a duty on parents and guardians to enroll their children in primary schools and ensure their regular attendance. Key mechanisms include the establishment of a Primary Education Board of Management at the local level, the appointment of a Primary Education Officer to oversee enforcement, the creation of school management committees, the provision for free textbooks and other educational materials, and the procedure for handling cases of non-compliance. A notable provision is that parents who fail to comply may be subject to admonition or, on repeated default, to a fine, but the Act prioritises awareness and persuasion over penal measures. The Act is part of a broader framework including the National Education Policy. It remains in force.
Full text · showing key sections
§ 2Definitions
§ 3Compulsory primary education
§ 4Compulsory Primary Education Committee
§ 5Committee tax
§ 6Penalty
§ 7Cognizance of offence
§ 8Rules power
The Primary Education (Compulsory) Act, 1990 makes primary education compulsory in Bangladesh. It applies to all children aged 6 to 10 years residing within the areas where the Act has been brought into force. The Act imposes a duty on parents and guardians to enroll their children in primary schools and ensure their regular attendance. Key mechanisms include the establishment of a Primary Education Board of Management at the local level, the appointment of a Primary Education Officer to oversee enforcement, the creation of school management committees, the provision for free textbooks and other educational materials, and the procedure for handling cases of non-compliance. A notable provision is that parents who fail to comply may be subject to admonition or, on repeated default, to a fine, but the Act prioritises awareness and persuasion over penal measures. The Act is part of a broader framework including the National Education Policy. It remains in force.