Policy and Practice of School-Based Counseling in Bangladesh: Current Provisions and Future Directions

Abstract

This chapter discusses school-based counseling policy provisions and practices in Bangladesh. It starts by providing a brief overview of school education system in Bangladesh. It then illustrates the counseling provisions in general and points to the lack of counseling service in the country. Afterward, the chapter analyzes the national policy provisions for school-based counseling and describes counseling practices in school. This discussion highlights the fact that school-based counseling is almost nonexistent in the country and points to the dire need of introducing counseling services in schools. Finally, the chapter presents some directions for advancement of school-based counseling in Bangladesh such as establishment of professional association, development of human resources, establishment of government department on school-based counseling, and conducting policy research on key areas where counseling service can play a vital role in improving students’ learning experiences in schools.