Hasnat questions primary school lottery system, Milon says new admission process from 2027
Hasnat Abdullah raised concerns about the current admission process, noting that primary school admissions were previously merit-based but are now conducted through a lottery.
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has said the government will review the lottery system used for primary school admissions and take a decision on the process to be followed from January 2027 after further discussions.
The minister made the remarks today (15 March) while responding to a supplementary question from Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah as the National Parliament session enters the second day.
Hasnat Abdullah raised concerns about the current admission process, noting that primary school admissions were previously merit-based but are now conducted through a lottery.
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He said this has created worries about a decline in the quality of primary education, which could affect the standard of students at higher levels.
He also said that three parallel education systems – English medium, general education and madrasah education – are currently operating in the country.
Those with financial means study in English medium institutions, while others study in different systems, raising questions about whether an inclusive education structure can be ensured.
In response, the education minister said there is a difference between rural and urban realities in the country's education system.
He noted that competition for admission to pre-primary and primary schools is relatively low in rural areas due to fewer students, while the situation in Dhaka and other large cities is more complex because of high demand.
He said, "The previous government introduced the lottery system to resolve this complexity. However, it does not seem entirely reasonable to me."
The minister said discussions will be held with parents, educators and members of parliament to determine how the admission process will be conducted in the future.
Public opinion will also be gathered through seminars and symposia before deciding the admission method to be implemented from January 2027.
He added that the government is also working to coordinate different education streams in the country.
Efforts are underway to bring English medium schools under a government framework and align them with the national education policy.
The minister further said steps are being considered to integrate the Ebtedayee and Qawmi madrasah education systems into the mainstream.
