Bangladesh, officially known as the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a South Asian country located in the delta region of the Bay of Bengal. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world, with a population of over 160 million people. Here is a profile of Bangladesh, with a focus on education, health, skill development, gender issues, and the impact of COVID-19 on learning.

Education:
Bangladesh has made significant progress in improving access to education, particularly at the primary level. According to the World Bank, the country has achieved gender parity in primary and secondary education, with a net enrollment rate of 98% at the primary level and 64% at the secondary level. However, there are still challenges in ensuring the quality of education and improving access to higher education. The literacy rate of the country is 72.8%, with significant gender disparities.

Health:
Bangladesh has made significant progress in improving health outcomes over the past few decades, particularly in reducing maternal and child mortality rates. According to the World Health Organization, the maternal mortality ratio in Bangladesh decreased from 569 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 196 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015. However, the country still faces significant challenges in improving access to healthcare services and reducing the burden of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria.

Skill Development:
The government of Bangladesh has recognized the importance of skill development and has initiated several programs to promote technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The country has also established a National Skills Development Authority to oversee and coordinate skill development initiatives. However, the skill mismatch in the labor market remains a challenge, with many graduates lacking the necessary skills to meet the demands of the job market.

Gender Issues:
Bangladesh has made significant progress in improving gender equality, particularly in increasing access to education and reducing gender gaps in employment. The country has also made significant progress in reducing child marriage and violence against women. However, women still face significant challenges in accessing economic opportunities and political representation.

Widening Learning Gaps during COVID:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on education in Bangladesh, with schools and universities closed for several months. According to a UNICEF report, the closure of schools has affected over 40 million students in the country, with many facing significant learning losses. The report also notes that girls are at a higher risk of dropping out of school due to the pandemic's economic impacts.

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