Govt vows accountability, modernisation in education sector

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening accountability and carrying out time-appropriate reforms to modernise the country's education system, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said after a meeting at the Ministry of Education today (19 February).

Speaking alongside State Minister Bobby Hajjaj, the minister said the administration is working to build a quality-driven, accountable education structure aligned with global standards. Broader reform plans are already underway to overhaul the sector and make it more responsive to contemporary needs.

He noted that certain decisions taken in the past – such as suspending examinations and introducing auto-pass – were made under extraordinary circumstances and were never intended as long-term solutions.

All necessary preparations have been completed to ensure that the upcoming SSC examinations are conducted smoothly, transparently, and without disruption, the minister said, according to an official press release. He has also reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on cheating and question leaks, stressing that such practices will not return. 

Responding to concerns about disruptions in coastal, char, and haor regions due to floods and natural disasters, he said special management measures would be adopted, considering local realities. Alternative arrangements and timely decisions will be taken where necessary.

Addressing allegations of teachers' involvement in political activities during school hours, the minister emphasised that classroom teaching must remain their primary responsibility.

"Demands can be resolved through discussion, but abandoning classes is unacceptable," he said, adding that the government would consider legitimate concerns while safeguarding academic discipline.

Regarding the need to review and update the national curriculum, the minister said preparations are underway in coordination with curriculum experts from the National Curriculum and Textbook Board. He added that a decision on forming an education commission will be announced after discussions with the prime minister.

The minister said regulations and monitoring would be reinforced to ensure accountability in MPO-listed private institutions, while teacher recruitment, transfer and disciplinary processes would be strengthened through the relevant certification authority.

Regarding nearly 1,700 MPO applications awaiting finalisation, he said decisions would follow budgetary review and verification, warning that strict action would be taken if corruption is detected.

He further said that steps will be gradually taken to bring English-medium institutions under government policy frameworks and that no institution will be allowed to operate outside official regulations.

The minister expressed deep concern over the long-standing suspension of retirement and welfare benefits for private school teachers. He stated that the relevant trust would be quickly restructured and arrears paid, noting that this is among the government's immediate priorities.

To develop a skilled workforce, the government will give the highest priority to technical and technology-based education. The current imbalance between theoretical and practical training will be addressed by increasing practical components in polytechnic and technical institutions, strengthening links with industry, and incorporating modern technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

He also announced that the government's "One Teacher, One Tab" initiative will be rolled out in phases for teachers at both primary and secondary levels, with a 180-day implementation roadmap to be published soon.