Education Adviser Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has said on Sunday that the government has taken an initiative to appoint head teachers and principals in private educational institutions through the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA).
He said the move aims to ensure “merit-based leadership” in private schools and colleges.
Speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony marking World Teachers’ Day at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital, the education adviser said, “Our goal is to ensure quality, inclusive, science-based and humane education. We want to equip the younger generation with modern scientific and technical skills so they can become competent, innovative, and globally competitive citizens.”
He added, “Education is not just about reading books; it’s about building tolerant, responsible, and humane individuals. We are emphasising life skills, language education, and professional development to prepare students not just for exams but for life.”
Highlighting several education ministry reforms, Professor Abrar said initiatives were underway to prepare accurate and quality textbooks, revise NCTB regulations, improve UGC’s standards to international levels, and ensure transparency in key appointments through open applications.
He also said recommendations from various commissions and taskforces were being reviewed for implementation, while steps were taken to ensure fair evaluation of merit at the SSC level and introduce a scholarship-based merit verification system.
On institutional reforms, he said, “A new roadmap for technical education has been drafted, and the secondary-level framework will soon be finalised through a consultation committee. The process of bringing new institutions under MPO facilities is underway. Reforms of the Education Welfare Trust and education boards have also been initiated. Through the BANBEIS platform, opportunities for advanced research have been expanded.”
Professor Abrar confirmed that the government had moved to place the appointment of heads and principals of private schools and colleges under NTRCA supervision, replacing the authority previously held by governing bodies and managing committees.
His remarks came shortly after NTRCA Chairman Md. Aminul Islam announced at a September 30 workshop that the agency would oversee the recruitment process for head teachers, assistant head teachers, principals, and vice-principals in private institutions under government monitoring. A committee has been formed to finalise the process and determine the model for such appointments.
During Sunday’s event, the adviser also described teachers as “the beacons of humanity, builders of civilization, and the conscience of the nation.”
Twelve distinguished teachers were honoured on the occasion. The ceremony was presided over by Rehana Parvin, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division. Among others present were Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser on Primary and Mass Education; Professor S.M.A. Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission; Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division; Suzanne Wise, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh; and Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of ICESCO.
A keynote paper was presented by Professor Golam Mustafa, retired faculty member of Rajshahi University.
HKJ
