The newly appointed education adviser, Chowdhury Rafiqul (CR) Abrar, has pledged to introduce science-based education in madrasah and focus on governance and reforms to address the ongoing challenges in the education sector.
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in a key speech at an event titled “Madrasah Education: Past, Present, and Future” at the International Mother Language Institute in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, Education Adviser Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar emphasized the government’s focus on overcoming the education sector’s crisis. He assured that the interim government would prioritize good governance and reforms to address the ongoing challenges in education.
Abrar expressed concern about the corruption and financial mismanagement of the past government, stating that billions of taka had been embezzled, severely damaging the education sector. He pointed out that the education system was now at a critical juncture, and urgent reforms were necessary.
One of his key promises was to ensure that madrasah would adopt a science-based curriculum. He stated that students from madrasah would be prepared for societal challenges by providing them with a modern education that includes scientific knowledge. This move, according to Abrar, would equip madrasah students for life in a rapidly changing world.
The education adviser also acknowledged that in the past, some individuals were wrongfully accused of being extremists due to their attire and emphasized the importance of bringing those responsible for such actions to justice. He clarified that not everyone associated with madrasas could be labeled negatively, pointing out that, like any profession, there could be bad actors, but this should not define the entire sector. He stressed the need for investigations into any criminal activities in madrasah and ensuring the punishment of those involved.
Liberty News’ correspondent states that the discussion was chaired by Dr. Kh. M. Kabirul Islam, Secretary of the Madrasah and Technical Education Division, and was attended by ministry officials, madrasah principals, teachers, and students. The gathering highlighted the importance of revamping madrasa education to make it more relevant to modern societal needs.
LND/BG
