Dhaka Central University VC Apologises Over Remarks on Education Cadre Teachers

Dhaka Central University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam has expressed regret if teachers from the BCS (General Education) cadre were hurt by his recent remarks on higher education, saying a circulated excerpt of his speech was taken out of context.

The university made the statement in a press release signed by its Registrar Md Shahidur Rahman on Saturday (August 22).

The controversy followed a Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation discussion organised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), where an excerpt of the vice-chancellor’s remarks was circulated on social media. According to the university, the partial clip caused concern and distress among officials of the BCS (General Education) cadre because the full context of his remarks was not considered.

The university said the vice-chancellor was referring to the practical challenges teachers face when transitioning from teaching at the higher secondary level to undergraduate and postgraduate education. According to the statement, he cited the issue as an example of a structural reality in the education system that is recognised and discussed in academic circles.

The university said Professor Nurul Islam had also urged the relevant minister to ensure adequate training, expand opportunities for professional development and provide supportive, quality working environments for teachers.

He also highlighted the importance of appropriately appointing highly skilled and experienced higher education teachers from different parts of the country to the colleges affiliated with Dhaka Central University to improve the quality of education there.

According to the university, the central purpose of the vice-chancellor’s remarks was to provide teachers at the university’s affiliated colleges with opportunities for higher education, training, research and capacity building, similar to teachers at other universities. The statement said there was no intention to undermine their dignity.

“If members of the BCS (General Education) cadre have been hurt because a part of the full statement was circulated, the vice-chancellor sincerely apologises.”

The university said it fully respects the longstanding and significant contribution of BCS (General Education) cadre teachers to the development of the country’s education system.

It also expressed hope that Dhaka Central University, which is newly established, will play an important role in improving the quality of education and contributing to the country’s socioeconomic development through sincere efforts and mutual respect among teachers, students and all other stakeholders.