Expressing concern over the dwindling allocation for the education sector, they also called for proper utilisation of the resources through efficient management.

The Campaign for Popular Education (Campe), an NGO, organised the seminar on 'Poverty and education' at the LGED Bhaban in the city.

Presenting a keynote paper, noted economist and President of Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said there has been a total confusion about the literacy rate and related issues as the figures provided by different sources vary widely.

He said the net enrolment at the primary level is 87 percent while the figure for the secondary level is about 53 percent and the adult literacy rate is just under 50 percent.

Although the overall progress has been significant, expansion of education is still a matter of concern, he added.

But the quality of education at the primary level is extremely poor, Dr Kholiquzzaman said, adding that of those who complete primary education, only 1.6 percent, as found by a study, have all the required competencies.

"This means that 98 percent or more fail to achieve the required standard of education at the primary level."

The schools and colleges in rural and small towns are ill-equipped in terms of teaching aids and quality of teachers and from the point of view of management and supervision, he said.

Quality education is a must for the poor in order to acquire the capability to break out of the poverty syndrome, said Dr Kholiquzzaman.

He suggested involving local communities in addressing the problem, particularly in rural areas and small towns.

Dr Shawkat Ara Hossain, Dr Ahmedullah Miah, Harun-ur-Rashid, M Habibur Rahman, Mostofa Kamal, and Campe Director Rasheda K Chowdhury also spoke at the seminar chaired by ANM Eusuf, advisor to the Campe.