United News of Bangladesh

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Sunday said the government is committed to ensuring the prompt payment of retirement and welfare benefits to retired teachers and employees of private educational institutions, aiming to clear the existing backlog within six months once the required funds are allocated. Responding to a question from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MP Md Abdul Wares (Gaibandha-5) in Parliament, the minister said around 67,000 applications for retirement benefits are currently pending with the Non-Government Teacher Employee Retirement Benefits Board. He said each retired teacher or employee receives an average retirement benefit of about Tk 13 lakh. According to Milon, settling all pending applications requires approximately Tk 8,710 crore, while the retirement fund currently holds only around Tk 1,300 crore, leaving a shortfall of nearly Tk 7,410 crore. He also informed the House that about 45,000 applications have remained pending with the Non-Government Teachers and Employee Welfare Trust since August 2023 to June 21, 2026. The minister said clearing those applications will require a one-off allocation of around Tk 3,150 crore. He said the government has already initiated measures to address the financial crisis facing both the retirement benefits board and the welfare trust by arranging the necessary budgetary allocation. Milon said several administrative reforms have also been undertaken to speed up the settlement process, including reactivating the software system, increasing manpower, expanding online services and introducing direct payments to teachers' and employees' bank accounts through the iBAS++ financial management system. "If the necessary funds are allocated, it will be possible to dispose of all currently pending retirement benefit applications within six months," he told Parliament. The minister added that the government's long-term objective is to ensure that retired teachers and employees of private schools, colleges and madrasahs receive their retirement and welfare benefits within three to six months after retirement. In his question, Abdul Wares highlighted the prolonged suffering of retired teachers of private schools, colleges and madrasahs who have been waiting for years to receive their retirement benefits, and asked whether the government will ensure payments within three to six months of retirement.

The newly elected Executive Committee of the Law Alumni Association of BRAC University (LAABRACU) for the 2026–2028 term has officially begun its tenure. The formal handover ceremony was held at the BRAC University Alumni Lounge, bringing together members of the Association, while current students of the School of Law attended the event as observers. The programme began with welcome remarks from the Association’s Advisors, said a handout. They highlighted the importance of strengthening alumni engagement, fostering professional collaboration, and building meaningful connections between alumni and future generations of law graduates. The election proceedings were conducted by Chief Election Commissioner Advocate Shah Maksud Noor, who addressed the audience and formally announced the election results. The introduction of the newly elected committee members was met with enthusiastic applause, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. According to the election results, the 19-member Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 term is led by Meher Niger as President, Tafsir Ahmed Khan as General Secretary, Yaser Md. Adnan as Vice President, Ali Arman Khan Apon as Assistant General Secretary, and Tahmid Bin Rahman as Treasurer. The following members have been entrusted with key responsibilities within the Committee: Tarannuma Rahman Lira as Supreme Court Secretary, Irfan Bashir Parag as Judge Court Secretary, Mohammad Abdul Mahir as Organizing Secretary, Ramisa Anjum Rusmi as Communications Secretary, Rayhan Ahmed as Academic and Publications Secretary, Sheikh Rasiful Islam as Sports and Cultural Secretary, and Mehrab Hossain Ifty as Social Welfare Secretary. The elected Executive Members are Md. Asif Reza, Tanzin Habib Keya, Priyanshu Paul Chowdhury, Nafis Al Sadik, Sounak Sayantan Kingshuk, Rafa Anan, and Md. Khalid Tanim. Following the announcement of the results, the newly elected President and General Secretary expressed their sincere gratitude to the members for the confidence and trust placed in them. They reaffirmed their commitment to making the Association more dynamic, inclusive, and impactful while creating greater opportunities for alumni engagement, professional networking, and collaboration. They also conveyed their heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Executive Committee for its dedication, leadership, and valuable contributions to the growth of the Association. Acknowledging the foundation built by their predecessors, they expressed their hope for continued guidance and support in advancing the Association’s mission. The newly elected Executive Committee pledged to work collectively to strengthen alumni relations, expand professional and academic networking opportunities, foster closer engagement between students and alumni, and further establish LAABRACU as a vibrant platform for connection, collaboration, and service within the legal community.

Adviser to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office Mahdi Amin on Saturday said the government is committed to transforming the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) into a world-class centre for research and innovation. Addressing the orientation programme for students of the 2025-26 academic session at the BUET auditorium, he said the university has long been recognised as a centre of excellence for creativity, talent and intellectual leadership, while also making significant contributions to Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and the July Mass Uprising. Referring to BUET's academic reputation, Mahdi Amin said its faculty members have played a crucial role in infrastructure planning, design and development, and its graduates are studying and teaching at some of the world's leading universities. "By gaining admission to BUET, you have become part of a rich legacy closely linked to Bangladesh's history and recognised by many prestigious institutions around the world," he said. He said the government's goal is to prepare students to become future leaders by creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. Urging students to contribute to the country's future, Mahdi Amin said BUET has a major responsibility in shaping the next generation of national leadership. "As the country's brightest and most creative students, you are naturally expected to lead tomorrow's Bangladesh," he said. Assuring the students of the government's continued support, he said the education minister would discuss with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ways to increase research funding for BUET. "The government will provide all necessary support and cooperation to help you build the Bangladesh of tomorrow," he added. The adviser also paid tribute to martyred BUET student Abrar Fahad, saying his memory should inspire students to uphold the values of independence, sovereignty and responsible citizenship while ensuring an environment where talent can flourish at BUET and other educational institutions. BUET Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Eqramul Haque chaired the programme. Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Abdul Hasib Chowdhury and Director of the Directorate of Student Welfare Prof Dr. AKM Masud also addressed the event.

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has placed a proposed revenue budget of Tk348.70 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year, keeping no allocation for research and innovation from its own revenue fund. The university has also placed the revised budget of Tk348.25 crore for FY2025-26 for approval. JU Treasurer Prof M Abdur Rob presented the proposed budget at the university's 43rd annual Senate session on Saturday, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan. The budget is awaiting approval by the Senate. According to the proposed budget, the largest allocation- Tk201.43 crore, or 57.77 percent of the total outlay has been earmarked for salaries and allowances of teachers, officers and employees. The second-largest allocation of Tk78.03 crore (22.38 percent) has been set aside for general goods and services, including administrative expenditures. The university has proposed Tk37.14 crore (10.65 percent) for pensions and retirement benefits, down from Tk44.24 crore in the revised budget for FY2025-26, marking a reduction of about Tk7.10 crore. One of the most notable features of the proposed budget is the absence of any allocation for research and innovation from the university's own revenue budget. The allocation for the sector has been shown as zero. However, university sources said research activities would continue with funding to be provided directly by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The budget also proposes Tk11.37 crore (3.26 percent) for machinery and equipment, Tk9.47 crore (2.72 percent) for repair and maintenance of infrastructure, Tk2.82 crore (0.81 percent) for information and communication technology (ICT), Tk2.44 crore (0.70 percent) for vehicle purchases and Tk70 lakh (0.20 percent) for primary healthcare support. Compared with the revised budget for FY2025-26, the allocation for salaries and allowances has increased by around Tk2.81 crore, while spending on general goods and services has risen by about Tk8.21 crore. The ICT allocation has increased by Tk12 lakh and primary healthcare support has been raised from Tk60 lakh to Tk70 lakh. The allocation for machinery and equipment has also increased significantly, rising from Tk6.68 crore in the revised budget to Tk11.37 crore in the proposed budget. An analysis of the proposed budget shows that more than 90 percent of the total allocation has been concentrated in three sectors: salaries and allowances, general administrative expenditure and pensions. The university allocates less than two percent of its own revenue budget to research, healthcare and ICT combined, highlighting its limited investment in academic development and research. The financial report presented at the Senate also disclosed that the university has been running a revenue deficit for years. By the end of FY2024-25, Jahangirnagar University had accumulated a deficit of nearly Tk 100 crore and leaving it heavily dependent on government grants to implement its annual budget.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Saturday said the government will take urgent steps to resolve the accommodation crisis at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). He said a shortage of seats in the university's residential halls is creating difficulties for students and affecting their academic activities. "If students face accommodation problems, their studies will also suffer. There is a shortage of seats in BUET's residential halls, and we will address these problems," he said. The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the orientation programme for newly admitted students of the 2025-26 academic year at BUET in Dhaka, according to a PID handout. Describing BUET students as highly talented, Milon said even talented students can sometimes lose their way. Referring to the killing of BUET student Abrar Fahad, he said it was a tragic incident that no one could forget. "To preserve his memory, we will request the Prime Minister to establish a residential hall in Abrar Fahad's name," he said. The minister also said research grants would be increased to improve the quality of research at universities. He noted that many university laboratories still use outdated equipment and said necessary steps would be taken to modernise research facilities. The programme was chaired by BUET Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Eqramul Hoque. Prime Minister's Education Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin and BUET Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Abdul Hasib Chowdhury attended the event as special guests.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Thursday visited Glenrich International School's Satarkul campus, where he observed the school's progressive, inquiry-based learning environment and praised its academic approach. During the visit, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj highly appreciated Glenrich International School for the school’s focus on quality education and the students’ holistic development for future readiness. He interacted with the institution’s leadership team, teachers and students. Guided by Manas Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of STS Group, the Minister toured the school’s campus and visited its learning spaces, facilities and academic environment. The walkthrough included the pre-primary classroom, play zone, Montessori lab, central courtyard, school library and secondary classrooms. It also included some of the advanced academic hubs, including the Science labs, Art lab, Math lab, Robotics lab and ICT lab, said a media release. The Minister also toured the creative and athletic zones, including the music rooms (Guitar, Violin, Piano, Vocal), dance room, indoor gym, swimming pool, skating rink and outdoor sports areas designated for football, basketball and cricket practice. Commenting on the occasion, Manas Singh, CEO, STS Group, said, “We are deeply honoured to host the State Minister at our Satarkul campus. His appreciation reinforces our commitment to delivering a global standard of education and providing state-of-the-art infrastructure that nurtures the diverse talents of our students.”

The University of Dhaka has formed a new investigation committee to further examine a plagiarism allegation against Dr Md Ridhwanul Haq, a professor at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), after an initial review found a preliminary basis for the complaint. The allegation concerns a research paper submitted by Dr Ridhwanul Haq during his application for the position of professor. However, the accused professor has denied the allegation, claiming that the matter had already been resolved by the university’s Board of Governors (BG) and that the renewed complaint was filed out of personal hostility. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor A B M Obaidul Islam formed the five-member committee on Tuesday and instructed it to submit its report within 30 working days. The committee is headed by the dean of the Faculty of Law. Other members include the dean of the Faculty of Science, the university proctor, the principal of Dhaka Medical College, and a representative nominated by Dr Ridhwanul Haq. The allegation dates back to 2018, when the university’s Board of Governors discussed the appointment process for three vacant professor positions at IBA. During the 113th BG meeting held on August 9, 2018, allegations of plagiarism were raised against a research paper titled “Retesting SERVQUAL Scale Items in Healthcare Service in Bangladesh: A Case Study in a Private Hospital”, which was submitted by two candidates, including Dr Ridhwanul Haque and another applicant, Mustaq Ahmed. Following the discussion, the BG formed an investigation committee led by the then Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), with the then Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies and a professor from the Department of Finance as members. The committee later reported that the research paper submitted in Australia had been considered for publication after revision but was neither finally accepted nor published. It also noted that the relevant journal did not mention a volume number or publication date. Based on these findings, the committee concluded that the allegation of plagiarism was not established. The decision was later approved unanimously by the Board of Governors under the chairmanship of the then vice-chancellor. However, allegations have emerged that the matter was later suppressed and has now resurfaced through a fresh complaint. Speaking about the latest investigation, Dr Ridhwanul Haq said the issue had already been settled through the BG’s decision. He alleged that during the tenure of the interim government, on July 30 last year, some teachers submitted the complaint again with the intention of harassing him. He also claimed that the original research paper had three authors, but the renewed complaint mentioned only his name, which he described as an act of personal resentment and hostility. “According to the BG’s decision, I was completely cleared of the allegation. Eight years have passed since I became a professor. Some vested groups have conspired to damage my reputation by bringing this allegation,” he said.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Wednesday told Parliament that the recruitment and promotion of thousands of teachers, as well as appointments to key administrative positions in educational institutions across the country, have remained stalled for a prolonged period due to various legal complications. Making a statement under Rule 300 of the Rules of Procedure in the Jatiya Sangsad, the minister said thousands of cases related to the education sector are pending in courts, creating significant obstacles to recruitment and administrative processes. The statement came after ruling party lawmaker Zainul Abdin Farroque raised concerns on a point of order regarding the acute shortage of teachers and the legal complexities surrounding recruitment. Milon, who also oversee the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, said the recruitment process for 32,500 teachers, along with separate initiatives to appoint 2,600 and 17,000 teachers, has remained suspended because of pending cases. “Since assuming office, I have been working to resolve these legal complications. From the very first week after taking charge, I personally visited the court premises and made efforts to address these issues,” he said. However, the minister noted that the cases have yet to be listed before the Appellate Division, making it impossible to proceed with recruitment despite an acute teacher shortage nationwide. He said appointments of heads of institutions through the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA), as well as the recruitment of college principals and heads of educational institutions, have also been halted because of ongoing litigation. Milon added that the recruitment of office assistants-cum-night guards at primary schools has similarly been suspended. He told Parliament that thousands of education-related cases are currently under judicial consideration, seriouslyhampering administrative activities in both the education and primary education sectors. The minister further said nearly 33,000 headteacher posts have already fallen vacant across the country. Yet many qualified teachers are retiring before receiving promotions due to legal disputes and complications related to promotion processes. “There are many teachers across Bangladesh who have attained the qualifications required to become headteachers, yet they are not receiving promotions. The legal complexities are preventing these issues from being resolved,” he said. Regarding administrative transfers in primary schools, Milon said authority for such transfers has been decentralised to the upazila, district and divisional levels. Reiterating the government's commitment to resolving the situation, he said achieving the desired progress in recruitment and promotion activities will remain difficult until the pending court cases are disposed of. “The government is making its highest efforts to address the situation. However, meaningful progress in recruitment and promotion will be difficult until these cases are settled.”  

Education Minister Dr A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Sunday informed Parliament that five projects are currently being implemented under the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education to expand and improve primary education across the country. He also said that 13 additional projects, including the Fifth Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP-5), have been included in the government’s development pipeline. The minister disclosed this while responding to a starred question from opposition lawmaker Md Mahbubur Rahman (Belal) of Rangpur-3 in the Jatiya Sangsad. Dr Milon said the ongoing projects include the Fourth Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP-4), which is being implemented from July 2018 to June 2026, and the Demand-Based Government Primary School Development Project (Phase-1), underway from July 2016 and scheduled to continue until June 2026. He said another major initiative, the Government Primary School Establishment, Infrastructure Development and Beautification Project in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area and Purbachal, is being implemented from January 2020 to June 2027. The minister further said that the Pre-Primary and Primary Education Improvement Project in Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban and Bhasan Char of Noakhali is being carried out from July 2024 to June 2027 to enhance educational opportunities in those areas. In addition, the School Feeding Programme in Government Primary Schools in 150 upazilas is being implemented from January 2025 to December 2027 with the aim of improving students’ nutrition and learning outcomes. Dr Milon said the government is also continuing several mass education initiatives, including the Effective Literacy and Practical Skills Training (Pre-Vocational Level) Course and the Alternative Learning Opportunity for Out-of-School Children (ALO) programme. According to the minister, these programmes are making significant contributions to improving the quality of primary education, strengthening educational infrastructure and bringing dropout and out-of-school children back into the education system. He expressed hope that the ongoing and planned projects would further support the government’s efforts to ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education for all children across the country.        

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Sunday said the proposed national budget for FY2026-27 is designed to build future Bangladesh, with one of the highest-ever allocations earmarked for the education sector to strengthen human resources and ensure sustainable national development. Taking part in the general discussion on the Supplementary Budget for FY2025-26 in Parliament, he said the government considers education the most effective and impactful sector for investment. “That is why the highest priority has been given to the education sector in the national budget,” he said. The state minister said public expenditure on education remained between 1.3 and 1.4 percent of the country’s GDP in previous years. The current budget, however, has increased the allocation to 2 percent of GDP, with a long-term target of raising it to 5 percent. Describing primary education as the foundation of a nation, Bobby Hajjaj said shortcomings at the primary level inevitably affect higher education and employment prospects in later stages of life. He said the government is focusing on curriculum development, teacher training, quality improvement and administrative reforms to strengthen primary education across the country. Referring to the Prime Minister’s directives, he said a comprehensive reform programme has already been launched to make primary education more modern, practical and internationally competitive. The state minister said the government’s vision goes beyond conventional textbook-based learning and aims to nurture creativity, critical thinking and personality development among students. As part of that effort, greater emphasis is being placed on sports, cultural activities and the arts in primary schools, he said. Bobby Hajjaj said initiatives have already been taken to expand sporting opportunities for students in grades four and five. Alongside football and cricket, basketball is also being introduced in schools, he added. He said cultural education, including performing arts, expressive arts and fine arts, is also being integrated into primary education to support the holistic development of children. “There is no alternative to sports and cultural education in building a modern, humane and creative generation,” he said, urging constructive discussions instead of negative criticism regarding such initiatives. The state minister further said the proposed budget places importance on enhancing people’s capabilities, expanding the economy’s supply-side capacity, promoting the creative economy and modernising industries and factories. “The government believes that investment in people is the greatest investment a nation can make. An educated, skilled and creative population is the principal driving force behind sustainable national development,” he added. Expressing optimism about the future, the state minister said continued investments in education, sports and culture would help transform Bangladesh into a knowledge-based, skilled and modern nation over the next two decades. “Criticism is natural in a democracy, but everyone must work together to achieve the larger national goal of development and prosperity,” he said.