The fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution do not include education; that is why the government has no education policy at all, said Prof Dr Alauddin Ahmed, secretary general of Bangladesh Parliamentary Caucus on Education.

The Parliamentary Caucus on Education and All Party Parliamentary Group in cooperation with the People's Empowerment Trust (PET) and the Commonwealth Education Fund (CEF) organised the dialogue on 'Education for All : Fundamental Rights or Fundamental Principles' at the National Press Club in the city.

Dr Alauddin said the Parliamentary Caucus on Education along with lawmakers from all political parties are working to establish education as a fundamental right under the constitution.

Criticising the government's move to introduce uni-track education system at the secondary level, he said such a system, which does not emphasise arts, commerce and science, will simply ruin the careers of students.

Law Minister Moudud Ahmed said priority should also be given to quality education, demand-based education facilities, political will and accountability for overall improvement in the field of education.

"Only establishing education as a fundamental right is not enough to ensure education for all as we even fail to protect the right to live," said noted economist Dr Atiur Rahman.

Criticising different types of education system existing in the country, he said, "We are now building a kindergarten-based Bangladesh, Madrasa-based Bangladesh and Bangla medium school-based Bangladesh, resulting in present unrest situation."

Prof Moniruzzaman Mia, member of the Anti-Corruption Commission, said the proposed uni-track education system is not consistent with the National Education Commission-2003 report.

Moniruzzaman, also a former education commission chairman, said compulsory education up to class eight in the style of Indian system is not possible in the present context of Bangladesh due to lack of infrastructure and other facilities.

CEF Coordinator Muntasim Tanvir and Prof Masum also spoke at the dialogue presided over by Prof Safi Ahmed.