Dhaka:Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon announced there will be no compromise on the quality of textbooks to be distributed in 2027. He warned of exemplary punishment for those involved in supplying substandard books.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister stated that any substandard books found have already been cancelled and destroyed. He emphasized that there will be strict adherence to quality in textbook printing, including the paper, ink, and printing presses used.
During a discussion titled 'People's Thoughts on the Development of Kachua' organized by Kachua Upazila Samity, Dhaka, at the International Mother Language Institute, Milon assured that quality textbooks would reach students on time, as has been done previously.
The minister also highlighted the introduction of a 'Mid-Day Meal' programme in primary schools across 150 upazilas, with plans for nationwide expansion. A coupon system is being developed to allow students to buy food from school canteens, with a pilot in several districts before a full rollout. The government aims to decentralize food supply to support local economies and entrepreneurs.
Examinations, Milon noted, will be held at designated times to avoid disruptions from monsoon-related disasters. To enhance security, two sets of question papers will be printed at separate locations the Bangladesh Government Press and the Army Security Printing Press. Practical changes have also been made to the re-evaluation process of examination scripts.
He announced the introduction of sports and cultural books in Class Four and the establishment of technical schools and colleges in every upazila under a new curriculum. A third foreign language will also be offered. Additionally, a technical school is planned for Saudi Arabia.
Milon revealed plans for a 'cross-border education system' to transform Bangladesh into an international education hub. The University Act would be amended to permit foreign educational institutions ranked among the world's top 500 to open branches in Bangladesh, pending approval.
The event, chaired by Kachua Upazila Samity President Jahangir Alam Pradhan, was also addressed by BNP National Executive Committee member Nazmun Nahar Baby. The program concluded with a reception for meritorious students, attended by educationists, officials, teachers, students, and guardians from Kachua.