Socio-economic barriers to primary education: a case study of Munda children in Bangladesh

This study explores the socio-economic barriers affecting the primary education of Munda children in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Despite national efforts to provide inclusive education, the Munda, an indigenous and marginalized community face persistent challenges, including poverty, social discrimination, language barriers, and limited institutional support, which hinder their participation in school. The study used a qualitative research design, collecting data through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with Munda children, their parents, and teachers. The findings show that poverty is the main reason for school dropout: boys often engage in child labor, while girls frequently take on domestic responsibilities or face early marriage. In addition, language differences and insufficient teacher training further limit learning opportunities. The study recommends introducing mother-tongue instruction at the early primary level, improving teacher training, providing financial support to low-income families, and developing targeted programs for indigenous children to promote inclusion and reduce dropout rates.