Govt examines proposal for upgrading Fazel, Kamel degrees

The cabinet recently turned down a proposal in this regard and the government formed a cabinet committee to determine on the issue.

The cabinet committee, headed by Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, minister for local government and rural development and co-operatives, met for the second time yesterday and deliberated on an earlier recommendation submitted by another committee.

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Talking to reporters, Bhuiyan said the committee discussed the standard of madrassah education and the courses offered at Fazel and Kamel levels.

The committee also discussed whether Fazel and Kamel examinations should be brought under the National University or the Islamic University (IU).

"We hope to come to a decision in our next meeting," Bhuiyan said.

The government is planning to bring madrassah higher education under the IU instead of the general education system, sources said.

Amending the Madrassah Education Ordinance 1978, the government is planning to bring madrassah education under the IU by making some changes in the Islamic University Law 1980.

Pro-Islamic groups, madrassah teachers and students have long been demanding university degree status for Fazel and Kamel degrees.

Cabinet committee members Law Minister Moudud Ahmed, Industries Minister Matiur Rahman Nizami, Education Minister M Osman Farruk and Water Resources Minister Hafizuddin Ahmed attended the meeting. Education ministry officials also attended the meeting.