Students who achieve GPA-5 in all subjects in this year’s Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations are set to receive laptops from the government, following a directive from the prime minister.
Education Secretary Abdul Khaleque disclosed the initiative during a parliamentary standing committee meeting on the Ministry of Education.
According to the meeting minutes, the ministry is taking necessary steps to provide laptops to approximately 40,000 students achieving a Golden GPA-5 in the 2026 HSC examinations.
A total of 116,676 candidates achieved a GPA-5 in this year’s SSC and equivalent examinations.
Concurrently, the parliamentary committee decided to form an investigation team to probe widespread allegations of corruption and irregularities in textbook printing and publication by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB).
Speaking at a media briefing following the meeting, Committee Chairman Selim Bhuiyan stated that the probe would examine irregularities across various directorates under the education ministry.
He noted that multiple inquiry teams might be formed if required, with final findings submitted directly to the prime minister alongside recommendations to the parliament speaker.
While emphasising that the committee wished to avoid causing panic that could disrupt textbook distribution for the upcoming academic year, Bhuiyan stressed the need to dismantle the monopolistic grip on the printing industry by entities linked to the former regime.
The committee also addressed delays in processing retirement benefits and financial assistance for non-government teachers from the welfare trust.
With over Tk1,600 crore currently available across these funds, the panel recommended immediate disbursements for pending claims, urging priority for teachers suffering from severe illnesses or preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Regarding the governance of non-government educational institutions, the committee recommended consulting key stakeholders before finalising policy updates for managing committees, cautioning against provisions that could lead to teacher harassment.
A parliamentary secretariat press release confirmed that under updated regulations, managing committee chairpersons must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
Finally, the committee reviewed the recruitment progress overseen by the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) for administrative posts, including headteachers, principals, and superintendents, and was informed that oral examinations for the ongoing cycle are scheduled for completion by December.
