Dhaka, Dec. 30 -- Bangladesh has never been shy about building schools. Concrete, brick and paint have long been treated as the most visible proof of commitment to education.

When doubts arise about learning outcomes, the instinctive response has often been to announce another grand construction plan.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education's latest move fits neatly into this tradition: three new projects, together costing nearly BDT 320 billion, aimed largely at constructing, upgrading or renovating primary school buildings across the country.

The logic seems reassuringly simple. More classrooms must surely mean better education. Or at least, better photographs for annual reports.

Yet the country's own experience stubbornly refuse...