Dhaka: State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj emphasized the significance of educational institutions prioritizing student safety and well-being alongside academic development at a leadership summit.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Bobby Hajjaj, speaking as the chief guest at the event, stressed that schools must create environments where students feel safe and supported, enabling them to voice concerns. He highlighted the government's initiatives aimed at improving education quality, infrastructure, and fostering student engagement with the community.
The Safeguarding Leadership Summit 2026, hosted by Haileybury Bhaluka and Cambridge University Press and Assessment at Le M©ridien Dhaka, gathered educational leaders and safeguarding professionals from Bangladesh. The summit, themed 'Stronger Together, Safer Tomorrow - Keeping Children Safe in Bangladesh,' focused on strengthening child safeguarding practices and promoting students' mental and social well-being.
The summit conveyed that academic outcomes alone do not define an institution's success. Ensuring a supportive and inclusive learning environment is crucial for educational excellence. Participants discussed integrating safeguarding into school culture, rather than treating it as mere policy.
Sarwat Reza, Country Lead of Cambridge University Press and Assessment, emphasized extending school excellence beyond academics, centering on student safety and well-being in educational leadership. Simon O'Grady, founding headmaster of Haileybury Bhaluka, discussed visible and evidence-informed school leadership and the challenges of safeguarding in Bangladesh, including harmful disciplinary practices and cultural barriers.
Summit speakers highlighted that safeguarding policies need comprehensive understanding and action. Teachers, staff, and leaders must know how to respond to concerns, report them, document appropriately, and follow up effectively.
An interactive session, 'What Would You Do If...?', led by Simon O'Grady, engaged education leaders in discussing safeguarding scenarios, linking principles to practical situations schools may encounter. Issues such as student self-harm, staff conduct, bullying, and inclusion were addressed, emphasizing preparedness and accountability.
The summit called for strengthened safeguarding systems, clear responsibilities, safe environments for raising concerns, expanded training, and regular reviews of child protection arrangements. Organizers stressed that safeguarding is a collective responsibility requiring leadership, accountability, and a shared commitment within the school community.