Two-thirds of children registered in primary level education go to these schools. However, their number remains unknown. Bangladesh has done well in recent years in universalising primary education. Compared to 1993, this is about 5-percentage point higher. On the other hand, what is astounding is the disappearance of the perennial gender gap.
Girls now outnumber boys at primary level.
This is a feat for which Bangladesh may take pride. It has been achieved because of a few affirmative actions taken by the state and NGOs, notably government grants given out to girls attending secondary schools. These act as incentives for parents to send their daughters to school. Other current positive changes are increased rates of attendance by children from poorer families and rural areas. This is due to the government's 'food for education programme' as well as NGO schools that specifically cater for the needs of these children.