Dhaka: Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today announced that the government has decided to abolish the existing lottery system for school admissions and reintroduce admission tests for all classes from Grade One onward. This move aims to ensure quality improvement and proper assessment of merit in the education system. "From the next academic year, that is 2027, there will be no lottery system for school admissions," he stated at a press conference held at the Education Ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Milon emphasized that the lottery system cannot serve as a standard for any education system. After extensive discussions over the past month, the government decided to abolish the lottery system in admissions. He pointed out that the lottery does not allow for assessing students' merit, and continuing this system at all levels would undermine the value of students' achievements.
Milon assured that the admission tests would be designed to avoid placing mental pressure on children, with assessments conducted through simple and scientific methods. In response to concerns about the potential expansion of coaching businesses due to the reintroduction of tests, the minister asserted that strict measures would be taken to curb such practices. He warned that the government would act if anyone attempted to exploit the situation for coaching businesses.
The minister mentioned that consultations with stakeholders regarding the admission system had already taken place, and discussions would continue if necessary. The final decision will be implemented after further consultations with all concerned parties. Present at the press conference were the Prime Minister's Adviser on Education and Primary and Mass Education Mahdi Amin, Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque, Technical and Madrasah Education Division Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, and other ministry officials.