Headmaster, principal to be appointed through NTRCA: Education Adviser

Education Adviser Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has revealed plans to appoint headmasters and principals of private educational institutions through the Non-Government Teachers Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA).

The initiative aims to promote quality, inclusive, science-based, and humane education.

Speaking at a World Teachers' Day event held at the Osmani Auditorium in the capital on Sunday, organised by the Secondary and Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education, Abrar outlined the ministry’s vision.

He emphasised ongoing efforts to revitalise the education system following the anti-discrimination movement, with a focus on fostering skilled, innovative, and globally competitive citizens through modern science and technical education.

Abrar further highlighted the ministry’s commitment to instilling ethics, environmental awareness, and tolerance in students.

“An educated person is not just a book-reader but a tolerant, responsible, and humane individual,” he said.

The education system will prioritise life skills, language education, and professional skills to prepare students for life beyond examinations.

Previously, while NTRCA handled recommendations for entry-level teacher and lecturer positions in private institutions, the appointment of heads, assistant heads, and other staff fell under the authority of institutional boards of directors.

However, following recent changes that stripped these boards of their power to appoint staff, they will now also lose the authority to appoint headmasters and principals.

The event, presided over by Rehana Parveen, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Department, was attended by notable figures, including Primary and Mass Education Adviser Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, University Grants Commission Chairman S.M.A. Faiz, Secretary of the Technical Madrasa Education Department Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, UNESCO Representative in Bangladesh Suzanne Bize, and ICESCO Director General Salim M. Al-Malik.

Retired Rajshahi University professor Golam Mustafa also presented a paper at the programme.