Bangladesh’s Education Adviser, Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, has announced that the recruitment of headmasters and principals at non-government educational institutions will soon be conducted through the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA).
Speaking at a National Teachers’ Day event on Sunday at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, he said, “We have taken an initiative to appoint headmasters and principals through the NTRCA to ensure leadership based on merit and qualifications.”
The program was organized by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education.
Highlighting the government’s ongoing education reforms, Professor Abrar said, “Following the anti-discrimination movement, the Ministry has been working relentlessly to revitalize the education system. Our ultimate goal is to ensure quality, inclusive, science-based, and humane education. Through the expansion of modern science and technical education, we aim to build a skilled, innovative, and globally competitive generation.”
He added, “Education is not just about reading books; it’s about nurturing tolerance, responsibility, and humanity. Alongside moral education, we are emphasizing environmental awareness, life skills, language proficiency, and vocational training. Our purpose is to prepare students not just for exams, but for life.”
Professor Abrar outlined several steps taken by the Ministry of Education, including the development of accurate and high-quality textbooks, drafting new NCTB regulations, and improving the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) operations to meet international standards through continuous consultation with stakeholders.
He noted that search committees have been formed for the appointment of vice-chancellors, and key ministry positions are being filled through open and transparent recruitment processes. Recommendations from various education commissions and task forces are also being reviewed for effective implementation.
“To ensure genuine merit-based evaluation in SSC examinations, we have adopted a policy to avoid inflated results and reintroduced scholarship exams to recognize true merit,” he added.
The adviser also mentioned the introduction of a new roadmap for technical education, with the secondary-level framework to be finalized soon through a consultation committee. The government is currently in the process of bringing new institutions under MPO (Monthly Pay Order) status and reforming the Education Institution Welfare Trust and education boards. Additionally, the BANBEIS platform has been expanded to facilitate higher-level research.
Until now, the NTRCA was responsible only for recommending candidates for entry-level teaching positions at private institutions, while governing bodies handled the recruitment of headmasters, assistant headmasters, and administrative staff. With the new decision, governing bodies will no longer have the authority to appoint principals and headmasters.
Earlier, on September 30, NTRCA Chairman Aminul Islam said during a workshop that recruitment for positions such as principal, vice-principal, headmaster, and assistant headmaster would be conducted under government supervision. A committee formed by the Education Ministry will determine the recruitment process and framework.
Speaking at the National Teachers’ Day event, Professor Abrar said, “Teachers are the torchbearers of humanity, the architects of civilization, and the conscience of the nation. This day reminds us of the invaluable role teachers play in spreading knowledge, ethics, and compassion. As a teacher myself, it is an honor to address the teaching community today.”
He also stated that Bangladesh’s education system is undergoing digital transformation at every level. “Online transfers, e-filing, and technology-driven teacher training are ongoing to improve the quality of education. Through the Access to Global Knowledge initiative, we are working to create an international-standard learning and research environment.”
“By joining platforms like TEAMS and LANA, we are approaching global benchmarking standards. Despite many challenges, this journey will lead us toward a new horizon,” he added.
On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, 12 distinguished educators were honored for their contributions to education.
