Coaching centres, English medium schools to come under regulatory framework: Education Minister

The government will bring coaching centres under the purview of law, while English medium schools will be brought under accountability and regulatory oversight, Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has announced.

The minister made the remarks on Wednesday, April 15, after a views-exchange meeting with centre secretaries for the SSC and equivalent examinations in Sylhet.

Regarding online classes, which have drawn criticism from many quarters, the education minister said, "Due to the prevailing situation, we are conducting a mix of online and offline classes. I sat with stakeholders on the prime minister's instructions. I exchanged views with teachers, headteachers, students and parents from about 700-800 schools. Not a single person wants online classes. Do I want it? I don't either. But the world wants it."

The minister also said English medium schools will be brought under government regulations. "It is natural that English medium education will exist in Bangladesh. But it is unacceptable that it remains outside the purview of the education ministry's rules and regulations. This sector must be brought under accountability," he said.

He informed that multiple rounds of meetings have already been held with entrepreneurs and representatives of English medium schools, and discussions are ongoing regarding the formation of an effective regulatory board.

Noting that high salaries are being paid to teachers and huge fees are being collected from students at English medium schools, the minister questioned the quality control, curriculum alignment and social responsibility of education in these institutions. "If education remains confined only to the reach of the wealthy, it will create discrimination in the overall national education system," he warned.

The minister further said schools and colleges will be brought under solar energy, and steps are being taken to urgently recruit teachers where needed.