Free education for all in phases: Nahid

Islamic university soon to run madrasa education

20 May 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid yesterday the government would make the country's education free for all in phases. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave a directive for making education free for all and we will implement the goal in phases,” he told reporters at his office. Nahid said it is not possible to make education free overnight as the process involves time and huge investment. “We need to do this from class six. So, it is a huge task and the nation has not such financial ability.” The minister said they are giving stipends to female students at secondary and higher secondary levels and also waiver their tuition fees. The government is planning to make education free for all at public institutions ranging from schools to universities and to form a trust fund to provide stipends to meritorious and deserving students at all levels. Planning ministry is now set to hold a meeting with Planning Minister AK Khandaker in the chair to chalk out how education can be made free soon. Nahid further said that the government would set up an Islamic University (Affiliating) to oversee the entire activities of madrasa education. “In view of the long-standing demand, the issue of setting up an Islamic University (Affiliating) has been recommended in the draft National Education Policy.” Without elaborating further, he said the university would act like National University. The draft education policy proposed turning the madrasa board into an affiliating university which will take the responsibilities of this sector. The entire monitoring responsibilities, including approving syllabus and textbooks of Fazil and Kamil level, monitoring educational institutions and conducting examinations of madrasa education, now lie with Islamic University in Kushtia. The policy said since it is tough for a regular university to carry out the massive task the madrasa board can be turned into an Islamic University (Affiliating) and the duties of the board can be given to the university. Asked about Quami madrasa, Nahid said they would incorporate some subjects in the madrasa education in order to make madrasa education modern and timely. Regarding monthly pay orders (MPOs), he said allocation for MPOs has to be increased as the recent allocation is found inadequate. He further said that they have sent proposals to the finance ministry requesting more allocation in the education sector. About admission to different colleges, Nahid said they would hold a meeting with the heads of the reputed colleges in and outside the capital soon.