It is our observation that over the years the government and other related agencies have been rather indifferent and casual to this important aspect of non-formal education, perhaps except for a few NGOs. On the other hand, as pointed out by the experts, the projects currently undertaken by the directorate of non-formal education are faulty.

No nation has ever regretted investing in education, whether formal, non-formal, or other forms. It is all the more important to understand that for a developing country like Bangladesh it is essential to further gear up non-formal adult education.

Most of our people who live in the rural areas, except for a negligible percentage, have been deprived of any kind of education for decades. On the other hand the second-generation of the population are rushing to urban area seeking access to better and higher education. It is thus all the more important that the millions of adults left behind are brought under the umbrella of non-formal adult education. It is only logical to say that this will in turn serve as an inspiration for the younger generations coming from the villages and the rural areas, where the general level of literacy is much lower that that of the urban areas.

It is high time serious attention is given to the adult education programme in real earnest. Admittedly, a limited number of NGOs have made some headway in this regard, but the expanse, scope and the resources needed call for the government to take the lead. Long-term programmes/projects should be undertaken after due consultation with other committed and willing collaborating agencies like the NGOs. In formulating the programmes/projects special attention should be given to the qualitative and professional aspects of it all. The media should also be extensively involved to keep the focus alive on the importance of non-formal education in order to generate heightened interests amongst the target beneficiaries and the nation at large.