The government has turned down a proposal by educators and civil society representatives to keep political individuals out of the managing and governing committees of educational institutions, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said on Thursday.
“Many eminent individuals serve on these committees. They are also involved in politics. Saying such a decision in that regard – this cannot be democracy,” he told a discussion in Dhaka.
However, he assured that members of parliament will not be on governing bodies, adding that the committees will be formed locally.
The remarks came during a discussion titled “Government Priorities and the Education Sector: Budget and Reality”, organised by a citizen platform at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.
Responding to proposals for abolishing examinations at the primary level, the state minister acknowledged that developed countries do not have such exams, but said Bangladesh is not ready for that step.
“It is true that developed countries do not have examinations at the primary level. But it will take a long time for us to reach that stage. Instead, the government is now primarily focusing on improving the classroom learning environment,” he said.
He also noted that alongside ensuring quality education, the government is placing greater emphasis on moral education for students.
As part of overhauling the country’s education system, the state minister said the government has begun holding meetings with private schools and English-medium schools.
He further announced that even the country’s Ebtedayee madrasas will be brought under the purview of the Primary Education Board.
Responding to demands for forming an education commission to improve overall quality, the state minister said, “It would be good if an education commission is formed, but even if it is not formed, you will keep us accountable on a regular basis. All decisions regarding education will be taken in consultation with you.”
The discussion also revealed that the government is consulting “architects” and “early learning experts” to ensure learning outcomes are given priority in the reconstruction of primary school infrastructure across the country.
Additionally, the government will arrange special training for at least one teacher from each school by appointing three ‘sports instructor coordinators’ in every upazila, the event heard.
The discussion was moderated by Distinguished Fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Debapriya Bhattacharya.
Among others present were Emeritus Professor of BRAC University Executive Director of the Campaign for Popular Education Rasheda K Choudhury Manzoor Ahmed, eminent economist Anu Muhammad, Chairman of the Madrasah Education Board Mia Md Nurul Haque, Member of Parliament Rumeen Farhana, and reserved women’s seat members of parliament Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Mahmuda Mitu, and Marzia Momtaz.
