Bangladesh’s technology-based education market is valued at $16 billion, yet EdTech startups have secured just $18 million in investments, highlighting a massive untapped potential. At the Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025 event, Education Adviser Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar emphasized the need to support and celebrate EdTech startups that are delivering quality education through innovation at competitive prices.
The event featured a keynote by Shahir Chowdhury, Founder and CEO of Shikho, who discussed how EdTech could address the nation’s education crisis. In his presentation, Chowdhury highlighted the success story of a student from rural Barisal who, with the help of EdTech platforms, passed his HSC exams and secured a place at Dhaka Medical College.
Professor Abrar stressed the importance of government budgetary support for tech-driven education systems, which would enable universal internet access and reduce disparities in learning opportunities. This, he believes, would help bridge gaps and create an inclusive, future-ready education system.
Chowdhury, while outlining the three major challenges of quality, affordability, and accessibility in Bangladesh’s education system, called for increased investment in the EdTech sector. He described the gap in funding as a tremendous opportunity for transformation in the education landscape of Bangladesh.
