‘No repeat of auto-pass; strict action over SSC paper leaks’

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Thursday said past decisions such as the suspension of examinations and the introduction of auto-pass measures were taken only under exceptional circumstances and would not be repeated, as the government moves to restore a modern, accountable and quality-driven education system.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the education ministry, the minister stressed that such emergency measures were never intended to be permanent solutions and reaffirmed the government’s determination to ensure fairness, transparency and credibility across all public examinations.

Milon said firm instructions had already been issued to the authorities concerned to ensure the preparation and distribution of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) question papers without any irregularities or disruptions, warning that no lapses would be tolerated at any stage of the process.

“All necessary preparations have been completed to ensure the upcoming SSC examinations are conducted in a fair, transparent and smooth manner,” he said, adding that accountability and oversight in the education sector would be further strengthened through timely reforms.

Addressing concerns over the politicisation of teachers, the minister said teaching students must remain their primary responsibility. “Any demands can be resolved through discussion, but abandoning classrooms for street protests is unacceptable,” he said, while assuring that legitimate demands would be addressed with due respect.

Reaffirming the government’s 

zero-tolerance policy against cheating, Milon expressed optimism that improved ethics and better study practices among students would gradually eliminate the need for intensive anti-cheating drives.

Referring to disruptions in education in coastal, char and haor areas due to floods and other natural disasters, he said special measures would be adopted in line with local realities, including alternative arrangements where required.

On curriculum reform, the minister said preparations were underway to review and revise the national curriculum in consultation with experts from the National Curriculum and Textbook Board. A decision on forming an Education Commission would be taken following discussions with the prime minister, he added.

To ensure accountability in MPO-listed private educational institutions, regulations and monitoring mechanisms would be strengthened. He also said initiatives would be taken to reorganise and reinforce the role of the National Teacher Registration and Certification Authority in teacher recruitment, transfer and discipline.

English-medium institutions would gradually be brought under government policy frameworks, he said, adding that no institution would be allowed to operate outside official regulations. Schools operating without proper registration or in temporary and unsafe infrastructures would not be permitted, and compliance with fire safety and structural standards would be made mandatory.

Regarding allegations of irregularities in transfers during the election schedule period, the minister said administrative decisions would be reviewed and investigations carried out if violations or financial misconduct were identified.

About 1,700 MPO applications are currently under consideration and will be reviewed based on budgetary allocation and verification, he said, warning that strict action would be taken if corruption is detected.

Expressing concern over the prolonged suspension of retirement and welfare benefits for non-government teachers, Milon said the relevant trust would be promptly reconstituted and pending allowances cleared as a priority.

Emphasising skills development, the minister said the government would prioritise technical and technology-based education. Practical components in polytechnic and vocational institutions would be strengthened, industry linkages expanded and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, incorporated into curricula.

He outlined three immediate government priorities: creating a conducive environment to bring students back to classrooms, reviewing and revising the national curriculum, and modernising technical education.

The government’s ‘One Teacher, One Tab’ initiative will be implemented in phases at primary and secondary levels, with a 180-day roadmap to be announced soon.

Reiterating that institutional monitoring would be intensified through relevant regulatory bodies, the minister said there would be no room for corruption in the education sector.

“The Education Ministry is firmly committed to ensuring ethics, accountability and quality education,” he said.