INCREASING PARTICIPATION OF FEMALE STUDENTS IN MADRASA EDUCATION SYSTEM OF BANGLADESH: AN INVESTIGATION OF MADRASA STUDENTS

Abstract

Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country religious allegiance is high among the people. As the country is home to Bar Aliya, Sufi saints and village chiefs so fear, and love of Allah are highest among both men and women. Due to religious adherence, parents prefer to raise and educate their female children religiously. Given the increase in the number of female students in madrasahs, the research explores the reasons for this. The study was mixed research, which was completed depending on primary and secondary data. The questionnaire was used for data collection in which 251 parents, 253 female students, and 22 teachers participated. In the study, structured interviews were conducted with 90 female students, parents and teachers. 6 groups (female students) participated in the focus group discussion. As the madrasa is rural and predominantly Muslim area, several reasons have been found for the increase in female students, among which the notable is to achieve success in worldly life.