Can’t force univs to hold polls: Milon

The government will need an additional one-time allocation of Tk 3,150 crore to clear nearly 44,000 pending applications for benefits from the Teachers’ Welfare Trust and Retirement Board, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon told parliament yesterday.

The applications were submitted by retired teachers and staff of MPO-listed educational institutions.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

Replying to a question from Jashore-4 MP Golam Rasul during the question-and-answer session, the minister said the large number of pending applications had created a substantial financial requirement for the government.

In response to a separate question from Naogaon-4 MP Ikramul Bari Tipu, Milon said the government was considering establishing permanent public examination centres across the country.

He said a proposal to conduct a feasibility study was awaiting approval.

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

The education minister also said the government was providing advice and support to universities regarding student union elections. However, it cannot compel all institutions to hold such polls within the next year because of their autonomous status.

Responding to a question from Cumilla-4 MP Hasnat Abdullah, Milon said all activities of public universities fall under their own jurisdiction.

However, he noted that central student union elections had already been held at Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University and Jagannath University to help foster a democratic environment and develop student leadership.

For the remaining universities, the government will continue to provide consultation and necessary assistance in organising student union elections, he added.