The country's education system has been extensively damaged over the past 17 years, Education Adviser Prof Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has said.
Speaking on Monday at a day-long research fair organized to mark Noakhali Science and Technology University Day, Rafiqul criticized the prolonged neglect of the sector, highlighting the magnitude of the losses as immeasurable.
Delivering the keynote address as chief guest, the adviser said: “We have assumed responsibility for a very short period. That is why we must carefully prioritize what to address first.”
He added: “We may have prior insights on some issues, which is why we are able to make progress in certain areas.”
Addressing the university's academic staff, the adviser said: “Teachers may hold personal political beliefs, and that is their right. However, those beliefs must remain personal and must not be brought into the university.”
He added: “If anyone wishes to engage in politics, then by all means do so—but outside the university, in the political arena. Politics needs good leadership, and you will find respect there, too. But politics must not be brought into the university.”
