English-medium schools can't remain outside of ministry rules: Edn Minister

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon has said that English medium schools will continue to operate in the country but must remain under the regulatory framework of the Ministry of Education. He also claimed that he doesn't want online classes but the world wants.

He made the remark while presiding over a meeting with officials concerned with SSC and equivalent examination centres in Sylhet on Wednesday. He said multiple rounds of discussions have already been held to bring English medium schools under government rules and supervision. "No educational institution will be able to stay outside the rules of the Ministry of Education," he added.

On the issue of education standards in Sylhet, the minister said the region should lead not only in remittances but also in academic outcomes. He proposed the formation of a 'Sylhet Education Trust Fund', modelled on the Zia Foundation, with resources from expatriate Bangladeshis in the United Kingdom, and urged cooperation from Sylhet Members of Parliament in this regard.

Expressing concern over what he termed "digital cheating" in examinations, Dr Milon said irregularities in the examination system were evolving. "If teachers do not teach properly or if there is a lack of quality education, students resort to cheating," he said, adding that allegations of institutional involvement in malpractice were now being received in some cases.

He said the definition of cheating is being reviewed to ensure that all those involved can be brought under legal scrutiny. "Considering this reality, the definition of the word 'cheating' is being redefined, so that all parties involved can be brought under the law," he said.

The minister said CCTV cameras were being installed gradually across the country to ensure transparency in examinations. "This will not only monitor activities inside the centres but will also help improve the overall quality of education," he said.

He further said that enforcement measures alone would not be sufficient to curb malpractice.

"To stop cheating, only enforcing the law is not enough, the reasons behind it must also be identified," he said, pointing to gaps in teaching quality, inadequate preparation, and pressure from an exam oriented system.