Staff Reporter:
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Thursday said that instructions have been given to the authorities concerned to ensure the preparation and distribution of question papers of SSC examinations, without any irregularities or disruptions.
All necessary preparations have been taken to ensure the upcoming Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations to be held in a fair, transparent and smooth manner, he said while talking to reporters after a meeting at the education ministry.
The government has reiterated its strong commitment to ensuring accountability, strengthening oversight and carrying out time-befitting reforms in the education sector, he added.
Referring to some past decisions—such as suspension of examinations and auto-pass measures—under special circumstances and were never intended as permanent solutions, the minister said that the ministry’s goal is to bring the education system under a modern, quality-driven and accountable framework.
On the issue of politicisation of teachers and their participation in political programmes during class hours, the minister said teaching students is their primary responsibility.
“Any demands can be resolved through discussion, but abandoning classrooms for street protests is unacceptable,” he said.
He also assured that the government would address legitimate demands with due respect.
Reaffirming the government’s zero tolerance against cheating, the minister expressed hope that strengthened ethics and study practices among students would eventually eliminate the need for anti-cheating drives.
Talking about the disruption of education in coastal, char and haor areas due to floods and natural disasters Milon said special measures would be adopted considering local realities, including alternative arrangements where necessary.
On reviewing and revising the national curriculum, the minister said preparations are underway with curriculum experts from the National Curriculum and Textbook Board.
A decision on forming an Education Commission would be taken after discussions with the prime minister, he said.
To ensure accountability in MPO-listed private educational institutions, necessary regulations and monitoring will be strengthened.
The minister also said initiatives would be taken to reorganise and reinforce the functions of the National Teacher Registration and Certification Authority regarding teacher recruitment, transfer and discipline.
English-medium institutions would gradually be brought under government policy frameworks, he said.
No institution will be allowed to operate outside official regulations and running schools without proper registration or in temporary, unsafe infrastructures will not be permitted. Fire safety and structural standards will be made mandatory.
Regarding allegations of irregularities in transfers during the election schedule period, the minister said administrative decisions would be reviewed and investigations conducted if any violations or financial misconduct are found.
About 1,700 MPO applications are under consideration and will be reviewed based on budget allocation and verification. Strict action will be taken if corruption is detected, he added.
Expressing concern over the prolonged suspension of retirement and welfare benefits for non-government teachers, the minister said the trust would be reconstituted promptly and pending allowances cleared as a matter of priority.
Emphasising skill development, he said the government would prioritise technical and technology-based education.
Practical components in polytechnic and vocational institutions will be enhanced, industry linkages strengthened and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), incorporated into the curriculum.
He also highlighted three immediate priorities of the government: creating a conducive environment to bring students back to classrooms, reviewing and revising the national curriculum, and modernising technical education.
The government’s “One Teacher, One Tab” initiative will be implemented in phases for teachers at primary and secondary levels. A 180-day roadmap detailing its implementation will be announced soon.
The minister reaffirmed that monitoring of educational institutions will be strengthened through relevant regulatory bodies and stressed that there will be no room for corruption in the education sector.
“The Education Ministry is firmly committed to ensuring ethics, accountability and quality education,” he said.
