Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Prof Mujibur Rahman has voiced strong criticism against the government’s recent decision to empower management committees of MPO-listed schools and colleges with the authority to appoint teachers, describing it as a deviation from the spirit of the July movement.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Prof Mujibur Rahman, speaking as the chief guest at a meeting of the central committee of Bangladesh Adarsha Shikkhak Federation at the Jamaat central office, accused the BNP government of disrespecting the people’s mandate delivered through a referendum and labeled their actions as a ‘heinous crime’ for failing to implement it. The Jamaat leader highlighted that the current government has set a precedent by not honoring the people’s mandate expressed in the referendum.

Addressing the politicisation of educational institutions, Mujibur Rahman pointed out that despite student protests against the quota system, the BNP government appointed vice chancellors to nine public universities based on political considerations shortly after taking office. He further alleged that administrators have been appointed to most district councils instead of transferring authority to elected representatives, which contradicts the aspirations and spirit of the July uprising.

Criticizing the decision to delegate teacher appointments in MPO-listed educational institutions to management committees, Rahman accused the BNP of continuing its tradition of making appointments in exchange for money. He warned that this initiative might revive such practices and establish a new foundation for them, potentially pushing the education system towards ‘darkness’ by enabling the appointment of incompetent individuals. However, he affirmed that the people of Bangladesh will not accept these developments.

As a representative of the opposition party, Jamaat, Mujibur Rahman emphasized their responsibility to advocate for the demands of teachers. He also called for effective measures to prevent the harassment and humiliation of teachers by miscreants. During the meeting, a detailed discussion took place on launching a movement and programs to protest the decision, with a proposal to conduct the movement in several phases being accepted.

The meeting concluded with a demand that teacher recruitment in private educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and madrasahs, continue through the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA).