On Monday, 16 March, Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Haque Milon, the Education Minister, announced at a press conference held in the conference room of the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education that the lottery system for admissions from grades one to nine in both public and private schools across the country would be discontinued.
Speaking to the media, the minister said, “The lottery has been abolished to ensure that every student receives fair and equitable opportunities for admission. From now on, enrolment will be based on the students’ merit and specific educational requirements.”
He further emphasised that the school scholarship examinations will continue as before, and scholarships will be awarded solely based on the candidates’ performance. “There is no change in the scholarship examination rules. Students will receive scholarships strictly on the basis of their results,” he added.
Key University Appointments
During the same press conference, the Education Minister also announced new appointments in the administration of several universities and the University Grants Commission (UGC). The appointments aim to bring experienced and capable leadership to the country’s higher education institutions, promoting both academic excellence and administrative efficiency.
| University | New Vice-Chancellor / Chairman | Previous Position / Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| University of Dhaka | Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam | Former VC, Bangladesh Open University |
| Bangladesh Open University | Professor Siddiqul Rahman Khan | Newly appointed |
| National University | Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam | From Pro-VC to Central University VC |
| Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) | Professor Dr. Md. Masud | Newly appointed |
| University of Chittagong | Professor Dr. Forkan | Appointed to position |
| University of Rajshahi | Professor Dr. Md. Faridul Islam | Newly appointed |
| Jagannath University | Professor Rais Uddin | Newly appointed Vice-Chancellor |
| University Grants Commission (UGC) | Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed | From Deputy VC, University of Dhaka; previous chairman Prof. Dr. S. M. A. Faiz resigned |
The minister stated, “Appointments have been made ensuring that capable and experienced individuals take charge of university administration. This will enhance discipline and operational efficiency in educational institutions.”
He also highlighted that these appointments represent a significant step towards improving educational standards, particularly in leading universities such as Dhaka University, KUET, Chittagong University, and Rajshahi University, where the new leadership will play a vital role in advancing both teaching quality and research.
Concluding the press conference, Dr. Milon stressed the government’s commitment to ongoing educational reforms, aimed at creating a transparent and inclusive system that provides equal opportunities for all students. The Ministry of Education is actively taking measures to ensure quality education and administrative integrity from primary and secondary levels through to higher education.