Split Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, Say DCs
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District Commissioners (DCs) have proposed breaking the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (SHED) into two separate directorates. They argue that such a move would improve the quality of education nationwide and accelerate administrative activities.
Meanwhile, teachers and officials of the education cadre have previously voiced strong opposition to this proposal.
In addition to splitting SHED, the DCs recommended expanding the scope of punishment to prevent cheating and fraud in public examinations, suggesting legal reforms where necessary.
These proposals come at a time when Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milan is facing social media criticism over anti-cheating remarks. Despite this, the DCs proposed adding two new sections to the law to curb examinee misconduct. Several other proposals and recommendations regarding the education sector emerged during the District Commissioner (DC) Conference, which began this Sunday. These suggestions reflect the current government's election manifesto and the "Smart Bangladesh" vision.
Separation of Secondary and College Education
The District Commissioners of Mymensingh and Jamalpur proposed splitting SHED to form a separate "Directorate of Secondary Education" and a "Directorate of College Education." Their logic is that it has become difficult for a single entity to supervise the vast number of educational institutions currently under SHED, which is ultimately hindering the quality of education.
However, this transition may not be easy for education cadre officials. While the interim government had previously initiated work on this matter, progress stalled following warnings from education cadre teachers and officers.
Strengthening Laws Against Exam Fraud
The Pirojpur District Commissioner highlighted the need to incorporate Sections 8 and 9 into the existing "Public Examinations (Offences) Act, 1980." He argued that all recruitment and admission tests should be brought under the definition of "Public Examinations" to strictly prevent fraud and cheating. Currently, recruitment and admission tests do not fall under this legal definition, preventing Mobile Courts from delivering immediate summary punishments.
The Pirojpur DC recommended that Section 8 (altering or adding to answer scripts) and Section 9 (assisting examinees)—which currently carry two to five years of imprisonment—be modernized and made more stringent.
He stated that if the law is reformed, Executive Magistrates would be able to take swift and effective action against fraud syndicates. This, in turn, would help improve educational standards, ensure proper evaluation of merit, and assist in implementing the government's political manifesto and electoral commitments.
At the conference, the District Commissioner (DC) of Munshiganj emphasized the need to eliminate regional disparities in teaching. To address the teacher crisis in remote and inaccessible areas, he proposed introducing special benefits or allowances for teachers. In his view, since experienced teachers generally prefer to stay in urban areas, providing such allowances would play an effective role in mitigating the resulting educational inequality in remote regions.
Furthermore, the District Commissioners of Sherpur and Sunamganj proposed recruiting teachers in native languages for ethnic minority students to ensure inclusive education. They also recommended establishing government primary schools in all tea gardens across the Sylhet division and nationalizing existing private schools there. They explained that this proposal is directly aligned with the government's non-discriminatory education policy.
The District Commissioners of Netrokona and Chandpur proposed formulating a policy for the establishment of Qawmi and Hafezia madrasas. They also recommended the formation of a central board for Hafezia madrasas. Similarly, the DC of Naogaon proposed creating a central board, comprising Islamic scholars (Alems), to maintain discipline and quality standards for teachers in all Hafezia madrasas across the country.
Given that Bogra is a hub for the agricultural economy, its District Commissioner proposed the establishment of an agricultural college to develop skilled manpower and promote modern technology-based agricultural education.
The Nilphamari District Commissioner proposed the establishment of a full-fledged university in the district. Meanwhile, the Pirojpur DC suggested ensuring a dedicated campus, residential halls, and a research-friendly environment for the Pirojpur Science and Technology University.
Additionally, the Naogaon District Commissioner recommended the swift commencement of academic activities at Naogaon University. As an agriculture-dependent district, he also suggested introducing agriculture-based technical and professional courses in Naogaon.
