In a strategic move to bridge the gap between traditional governance and the aspirations of the younger generation, Bobby Hajjaj, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Dhaka-13, has been sworn in as the Minister of State for Education. The ceremony took place at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, where President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to the new ministerial cohort.
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From the Ivory Tower to the Front Bench
Mr Hajjaj’s appointment is being viewed by political analysts as a meritocratic nod to his extensive background as an academic and social entrepreneur. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Hajjaj transitioned into the high-stakes world of politics from the lecture halls of North South University, where he built a reputation as a charismatic educator capable of engaging the nation’s youth on complex policy issues.
Party insiders suggest that his induction into the Ministry of Education is intended to spearhead a digital and structural overhaul of the national curriculum. His unique blend of management expertise and firsthand experience with student demographics makes him a natural fit for a portfolio that demands both visionary thinking and administrative rigour.
Profile of a Modern Statesman
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Bobby Hajjaj |
| Constituency | Dhaka-13 |
| Education | University of Oxford (Alumnus) |
| Former Party | Founder Chairman, Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) |
| Current Role | Minister of State for Education |
| Notable Lineage | Son of business tycoon Moosa Bin Shamsher |
A Departure from Dynasty
Born into one of Bangladesh’s wealthiest and most influential families—his father being the prominent businessman Moosa Bin Shamsher, often referred to as “Prince Moosa”—Bobby Hajjaj has consistently sought to forge an independent path. Despite the immense allure of his father’s corporate empire, Hajjaj chose the “slippery slope” of public service and academia.
His political apprenticeship began under the late Hussain Muhammad Ershad, serving as a special advisor to the former President. It was during this tenure that his eloquence and Western-educated sensibilities caught the eye of the national media. Eventually, he sought to create his own political identity by founding the Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), before aligning with the current administration’s vision for a reformed Bangladesh.
The Road Ahead
As he assumes his duties, Minister Hajjaj faces the immediate challenge of addressing the post-transition educational backlog. His supporters point to his Oxford education and international exposure as assets that will help integrate global standards into local institutions. With the first Cabinet meeting scheduled for this week, all eyes are on the “teacher-turned-minister” to see how he translates academic theory into tangible educational reform.