Education adviser urges recognition of EdTech startups' success to encourage growth

Summary:

• Technology-based education market in Bangladesh is valued at $16 billion 
• EdTech startups have secured only $18 million in investments
• Massive untapped potential in the sector highlighted
• Allocating budgetary support for tech-driven education systems stressed

Education Adviser Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul (CR) Abrar emphasised the need to celebrate the achievements of EdTech startups that are delivering quality education through innovation at highly competitive prices, particularly in a landscape of limited opportunities.

He made these remarks at Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025, held in the capital today (7 April). The event featured a keynote presentation by Shahir Chowdhury, Founder and CEO of Shikho, titled "How EdTech Can Solve Bangladesh's Education Crisis and Unlock Its Next Growth Frontier."

Following the keynote, a panel discussion on "The Future of Learning, Jobs, and Investment in Bangladesh's EdTech Market" took place, moderated by Ayman Sadiq, Founder and CEO of 10 Minute School.

Highlighting a success story from Shahir's presentation, CR Abrar shared the case of Imran, a student from rural Barisal, who successfully cleared his HSC exams and secured admission to Dhaka Medical College with the help of EdTech platforms. "We should officially recognise and celebrate such milestones to encourage the growth of EdTech startups," he urged.

The Education Advisor also stressed the importance of allocating budgetary support for tech-driven education systems to ensure universal internet access and reduce disparities in learning opportunities. "By investing in digital education infrastructure, we can bridge gaps and create an inclusive, future-ready education system," he added.

During his presentation, Shikho CEO outlined three major challenges hindering effective education delivery in Bangladesh: quality, affordability, and accessibility.

He pointed out that while the technology-based education market in Bangladesh is valued at $16 billion, EdTech startups have secured only $18 million in investments- indicating a massive untapped potential.

"This gap represents a tremendous opportunity," Shahir emphasised, calling for greater investment in the EdTech sector to bridge the divide and transform education nationwide.