Education Minister Dipu Moni
Energy crisis: Govt mulls 2-day weekly holiday in educational institutions
The government plans to introduce a two-day weekly holiday in educational institutions across the country soon to save energy, said Education Minister Dipu Moni on Friday.
She said this while responding to a question at an event in the capital.
Read: No changes on religion made to textbooks: Dipu Moni
Dipu Moni also said the government has announced a two-day weekly holiday in all educational institutions from 2023.
“We are thinking about whether it will be implemented from now to save electricity,” she said.
The decision will be announced soon, she added.
Postponed SSC exams' schedule after distribution of textbooks in flood-hit areas: Dipu
The schedule of the postponed Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations will be announced two weeks after distribution of textbooks among the students in the flood-hit districts, said Education Minister Dipu Moni on Wednesday.
There have been extensive damages due to the recent devastating flood and it was not possible to save the textbooks in the flood area, she told the reporters at the Secretariat.
“We need to ascertain how many books will be needed in these areas first. If necessary we will print textbooks.”
Once the distribution of books is completed, the students need a little time to prepare themselves for the exams she added.
Read: Floods in the northeast throw over 4.55 lakh students in Sylhet div into uncertainty
The SSC and its equivalent examinations, under all the education boards scheduled to begin on June 19, were postponed due to the flood situation in the country on June 17.
About the rapid surge of Covid-19, the minister said if they can vaccinate the students below 12, they will keep the educational institutions open. “At this moment, schools will not be closed. Decision will be taken seeing the situation.”
Draft bill of new Education Act to be ready June 23
Education Minister Dipu Moni on Sunday said that the draft of the Education Act would be finalised on June 23.
In reply to a tabled question from Jatiya Party MP Shameem Haider Patwari, the Minister said in Parliament that after finalising the Act on June 23, it will be sent to the Cabinet Division for getting approval in principle from the cabinet.
Also read: JS extends time for Oil, Gas and Mineral Corp. bill
The education ministry took the initiative to prepare an education law in line with the Education Policy of 2010.
The policy recommended formulation of a law for proper implementation of the policy.
It also asked a subcommittee of the education policy implementation committee to draft a law on January 26, 2011.
In December 2016, the education ministry sent a draft of the Education Act to the Cabinet Division. But it took the draft back following huge criticism as the ministry gave legitimacy to coaching and private tuition in the name of "shadow education".
According to the draft of the Education Act, there will be provision for imposing a ban on printing, publishing, and marketing notebooks and guidebooks.
The draft act stipulates that teachers will not be able to give private tuitions to students of their own institutions. It also seeks to ban corporal punishment for schoolchildren and mental torture by teachers.
According to officials, the draft law makes printing, publishing, and marketing of notebooks and guidebooks punishable by a maximum imprisonment of three years or a maximum fine of Tk 5 lakh or both.
It also states that if a teacher forces students of his institution to buy notebooks and guidebooks, actions will be taken against him or her.
However, the government will allow publication of supplementary books and education aid books only after approval from the authorities concerned.
If a teacher of an educational institution forces students to purchase supplementary books and education aid books, it will be considered as misconduct and disciplinary actions will be taken against him or her, says the draft law.
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Zakir Hossen said that there are 5,626 dilapidated primary school buildings in the country.
In response to a query of ruling Awami League MP elected from Noakhali Mamunur Rashid said the government has taken steps to develop the infrastructure in these dilapidated government primary school buildings.
According to sources available at different websites, the total number of government primary schools is around 65,000.
Also read:JS passes Bangladesh Tourism Corporation (Amendment) Bill
Responding to a question from ruling Awami League MP from Chattogram M Abdul Latif, Education Minister Dipu Moni said the government has taken steps to establish 10 government secondary schools in the vicinity of the capital to reduce the pressure of students in Dhaka schools.
These schools will be at Keraniganj, Purbachal, Jalkuri, Nabinagar, Dhamrai, Hemayetpur, Joarsahara, Santarkul, Ashulia and Chattogram Road.
The Minister in reply to Jatiya Party MP elected from Kishoreganj Mujibul Haque said the government will take necessary measures to address the issue of fixing of high tuition fees indiscriminately at the private universities.
“The University Grants Commission is already collecting and reviewing the fee structure of all private universities,” she said.
Responding to a question from AL MP from Feni Nizam Uddin Hazari, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Zakir Hossen said the ongoing school feeding program would end on June 30.
“A feasibility study has been initiated to take up new projects in this regard. Following the completion of the feasibility study, a new project will be adopted for school feeding of government primary school students across Bangladesh in the light of the recommendations,” he said.
Responding to a question from AL Mamunur Rashid, Dipu Moni said educational institutions which are not brought under MPO enrolment, will be considered for MPO registration as this is a continuous process.
More institutions to come under MPO: Dipu Moni
Education Minister Dipu Moni on Friday said the government would publish a list of education institutions within a week for bringing them under the government’s pay order.
“We think we’ll be able to make the list, we’re now working for the MPO (Monthly Pay Order) enlistment, to be published within a week,” she said at a post-budget press conference in the city’s Osmani Smriti Auditorium in the afternoon.
Replying to a question, the minister said the government will surely enlist the education institutions under the MPO net, but didn’t disclose the number.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Health Minister Zahid Maleque, State Minister for Planning Shamsul Alam, Bangladesh Bank Governor Fazle Kabir, Finance Senior Secretary Abdur Rouf Talukder and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem spoke at the conference.
The finance minister on Thursday unveiled the Tk 678,064-crore national budget for the financial year 2022-2023 with special focus on economic recovery from uncertainties caused by Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
In reply to a question about the budgetary allocation for education, Dipu said the budget of the Education Ministry increased by 19.72 per cent (some 20 per cent) this time comparing to the previous year. Besides, the allocation for research and development budget also rose in this sector.
Now they’ve to pay stronger attention to the effective utilization of the allocations made for them, she said, adding that not only his ministry and primary education ministry, rather a total of 28 ministries are working on education and development of human resources.
She thanked the prime minister and the Finance Ministry for preparing the pro-people budget amid the current global situation.
In the proposed budget, the allocation for education is Tk 81,449 crore in the 2022-23 fiscal year increasing from Tk 71,974 crore in the 2021-22 fiscal year.
The allocation against education still remains less than 2 per cent of the country’s GDP.
Tk 31,761 crore was allocated against the Primary and Mass Education Ministry for the upcoming fiscal year, while Tk 39,961 crore against the Secondary and Higher Education Division and Tk 9,727 against Technical and Madrasa Division.
We’re happy with allocation: Health Minister
In the press conference, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said some Tk 40,000 crore (exactly Tk 36,863 crore) was allocated for health sector this time, which is some 5.5 per cent (exact 5.43 per cent) of the total budget.
“The budget puts a high emphasis on health and education. So, we’re very happy,” he said replying to a question if he and his colleague Dipu Moni are satisfied over the allocations for health and education sectors.
The health minister said medical research, non-contagious diseases, vaccination production and improved health system were highlighted in the budget. The import duty on health equipment and raw materials were reduced, he said.
Attempts being made to create anarchy at educational institutions: Dipu
Education Minister Dipu Moni on Sunday said attempts are being made to create anarchy at the educational institutions of the country ahead of the national election.
“Their plan of destabilizing the country through creating anarchy at the educational institutions will not be implemented. Conscious students will obstruct it,” she said while speaking at a prize giving ceremony at Baburhat High School in Chandpur town.
Also read: Working to improve universities' world ranking position, says Dipu Moni
The people of the country want peace and the country is approaching fast to achieve the development goals under the leadership of the Prime Minister, said Dipu.
“The evil forces are trying to raise their heads ahead of the national election and trying to take advantage of the chaotic situation created by them,”she said.
Also read: Don't react to provocations on social media: Dipu Moni
Dipu Moni also urged the students of the school to be human being through good deeds and love the country.
Vested quarter trying to create communal problems at educational institutions: Dipu Moni
A vested quarter is trying to create communal issues at the educational institutions after failing to destabilize the country, said Education Minister Dipu Moni on Tuesday.
“Their attempts will not be successful in any way,” she said while talking to local journalists after attending a review meeting with all district level officials in Chandpur on the projects implemented or under implementation from 2019 to date and overall activities of various departments organised by the district administration.
Also read: We are proud of our religious harmony: Dipu Moni
Regarding some recent issues at educational institutions in the country, Dipu Moni said they are creating issues in some educational institutions and trying to give those communal cover after failing to make the country’s situation unstable.
“We are vigilant about the issue,” she said adding that the people of the country believe in non-communal spirit.
People have respect for teachers, she said and requested the teachers to be vigilant.
Also read:No decision yet on 100% festival bonus to pvt educational institute teachers: Dipu Moni
The minister also warned that stern action will be taken if authorities concerned in the educational institutions are found involved in making chaos with such issues.
Renowned teachers not keen to become VCs: Dipu
Many renowned academics are not interested in becoming vice-chancellors of universities of the country, said Education Minister Dipu Moni on Tuesday.
“We have very good teachers whom we would be proud to have as vice-chancellors. But many of them are not interested in taking this administrative responsibility,” the education minister said.
The minister was speaking on “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University of Science and Technology, Pirojpur Bill-2022” in Parliament.
Read: Dovetailing higher and technical education needed: Dipu Moni
She said that when a panel is formed for the appointment of the VCs, the first thing the government considers is their academic excellence and the second thing is their work on research.
“At the same time, we also see whether they have the ability to lead any organization,” she said.
Opposing the bill, opposition Jatiya Party MP Mujibul Haque Chunnu and BNP's Harunur Rashid slammed the government for alleged irregularities and corruption of VCs of different universities.
They demanded that the House withdraw the bill and send it to the select committee for taking public opinion.
“There was a time when people would bow their heads before the vice chancellors of universities to show respect to them. But now we feel ashamed because of vice-chancellors’ involvement in widespread corruption and irregularities,” Chunnu said.
He referred to media reports that VCs appointed their family members and relatives in different posts in their universities.
The JP secretary general demanded that VCs are appointed without party consideration.
Read: Focus on technical education to reduce unemployment: Dipu Moni
BNP's Harun complained that the vice-chancellors are doing whatever they want in different universities.
In response, the education minister said that there are criticisms about the activities of the vice-chancellors of some universities which are also true and action is being taken against them. But that does not mean that vice chancellors of all the universities are dishonest, she added.
Focus on technical education to reduce unemployment: Dipu Moni
Munshiganj, Mar 25 (UNB)--Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni urged administrators to focus on technical education, to reduce the unemployment rate of Bangladesh.
Countries that have paid more attention to technical and science education have become more developed and prosperous, she said, while addressing a proramme at the A Mannan Pilot High School in Char Dewan in Gazaria Bhat, Munshiganj on Friday.
In developed countries like Germany, 50 percent of the students are educated in technical stream, she said.
“I kindly requested the authorities of the higher educational institutions to set up the curriculum in line with the demands of the present world," the minister added.
Read: Power Division hands over Independence Award to PM
The government is going to implement the new curriculum from 2023. Even if the government can change the curriculum at secondary and higher secondary levels, higher educational institutions can only change their curriculum with university laws.
Dipu Moni said the government has taken initiative to ensure practical education at secondary and higher secondary levels.
Now, it's time to think about the university's curriculum.
"We want the universities to think about their curriculum. Let them create industry academy linkages and adjust their curriculum to suit the needs of the working world so that our students can make them fit for the job market from the very first, she added.
Read: Holiday makers suffer as traffic piles up at Paturia Ghat
Regarding the provision of modular education, the Minister said, "Everyone does not need to have a big degree. Students can learn many things through a diploma or certificate courses.
She said, "There is a big trend in our country to gain an honors-master’s degree."
Moreover, they can do post-graduate diplomas in various subjects that will provide employment opportunities at home and abroad.
Schools, universities to compensate students for learning losses: Dipu Moni
With schools and universities reopening, Education Minister Dipu Moni on Wednesday said she hoped the academic institutions would compensate the students for learning losses caused by the Covid-induced closure.
“The students have been going through mental trauma for the past two years. Now with the educational institutions across the country reopening, efforts will be made to make up for the learning losses," she said.
"Though it is not possible to recoup the losses in one academic year, it can be minimised. Better days are ahead,” Dipu Moni told reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of the book distribution activities of classes XI and XII at National Curricula and Textbook Board (NCTB) headquarters this morning.
Read: Primary school students return to campus
“In-person classes for primary school students resumed on Wednesday while physical classes at all secondary, higher secondary and university-level educational institutions resumed earlier. We hope we can soon return to normal academic activities,” she said.
Dipu Moni also urged the authorities concerned to make up for the teaching losses endured by those who passed this year's HSC, through adequate assignments.
Describing the demand of the students of seven DU-affiliated colleges for separate universities as "illogical", she said, "The problem will be resolved soon and the authorities concerned are taking an initiative to reduce the session jam. Exam results will also be published soon.”
Follow health guidelines strictly at educational institutions: Minister
Urging all to abide by health guidelines at educational institutions, Education Minister Dipu Moni has said they do not want to shut those again due to Covid surge.
“We have resumed classes after a long time and we do not want to shut educational institutions again,” said Dipu while talking to reporters after inaugurating the piloting activities of New National Curricula of 2023 virtually from National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) auditorium on Tuesday.
Read: Senior schools, universities reopen after a month
She urged guardians, teachers and students to be aware of health protocols and maintain those properly.
Talking about the new curricula, the students will learn lessons by themselves and they will grow as skilled, eligible and good human being , she said adding, “Our motive is to achieve our national goals and build a peaceful and prosperous country.”
The guardians and the teachers have been requested to identify the problems of the curricula so that those can be fixed, said Dipu.
Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, who was also present at the promramme, urged all concerned to perform their duties sincerely and implement the new curricula.
“The teachers will identify the problems and weaknesses of the curricula so that students get modern and standard curricula,” he said.