Can’t force univs to hold polls: Milon

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon yesterday said the government is providing necessary advice and assistance to universities in organising student union elections, but cannot compel all institutions to hold such polls within the next year because of their autonomy.

All activities of public universities fall under their own jurisdiction, he said responding to a question from Cumilla-4 MP Hasnat Abdullah during the question-and-answer session at the parliament.

However, in the interest of fostering a democratic environment and developing student leadership, central student union elections have already been held at Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University and Jagannath University, he said.

For the remaining universities, the government is extending consultation and support, which will continue in the future, he added.

PERMANENT PUBLIC EXAM CENTRES

Meanwhile, Milon said the government is considering establishing permanent public examination centres across the country.

A proposal for a feasibility study is currently awaiting approval, he said while responding to a question from Naogaon-4 MP Ikramul Bari Tipu during the question-and-answer session at the parliament.

Once the study is completed, decisions will be taken on setting up dedicated examination centres at upazila, district or regional levels, based on factors including the number of candidates, geographical location, availability of infrastructure and land, and the government’s financial capacity, he said.

Replying to a question from Jashore-4 MP Golam Rasul, Milon said resolving nearly 44,000 pending applications for benefits from the Teachers’ Welfare Trust and Retirement Board submitted by retired teachers and staff of MPO-listed institutions would require an additional one-time allocation of Tk 3,150 crore.