“For 17 years, there was a conspiracy by the government and the state to strip the Bangladeshi nation of its intellectual merit”—this remark was made by SM Jilani, Member of Parliament for the Gopalganj-3 constituency and Central President of the Swechchhasebak Dal. Criticizing the past education system, he alleged that instructions were issued to pass students regardless of whether they actually wrote anything on their exam papers. At the same time, he sought suggestions from teachers on how to improve the quality and environment of primary education in Kotalipara.
He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a reception ceremony for meritorious students who received primary scholarships for 2025, held on Saturday (October 10) afternoon at the Rural Development Academy (RDA) hall room in Kotalipara, Gopalganj. At the event, SM Jilani handed over school bags and flowers to 160 scholarship-winning students from Kotalipara Upazila.
Presided over by Kotalipara Upazila Chhatra Dal Convener Lalon Sheikh, the event was attended by Upazila BNP President SM Mohiuddin, General Secretary Abul Bashar Howlader, Municipal BNP President Yusuf Ali Daria, General Secretary Oliur Rahman Howlader, and other leaders from the BNP and its associate organizations. Scholarship-winning students, their guardians, teachers from various primary schools, and people from diverse professions were also present. The program was moderated by Upazila Chhatra Dal Member Secretary Niloy Howlader Mostafa.
Addressing the teachers, SM Jilani said, “For 17 years, there was a conspiracy by the government and the state to strip the Bangladeshi nation of its intellectual merit. During this time, the standard of education was compromised.” He alleged that, according to media reports from that period, instructions were given to pass students regardless of whether they wrote anything on their exam papers. He noted that while there was a craze for achieving GPA and ‘Golden GPA’ at the time, many students failed to achieve expected success in admission tests at the higher secondary level, despite performing well in the SSC examinations. “We do not want this education system,” said S. M. Jilani.
Seeking the cooperation of teachers to improve the quality of education and the learning environment in Kotalipara’s primary schools, S. M. Jilani said, “Please offer your suggestions on how we can enhance the educational standards and environment in these schools.” He emphasized the importance of leveraging the teachers’ experience and insights to further improve the schools’ learning atmosphere.
Addressing the scholarship-winning students, S. M. Jilani said, “This event is a modest effort on my part to inspire you. You must focus more on your studies. Alongside your textbooks, you need to acquire practical knowledge.” He urged the students to prepare themselves to become capable individuals by gaining practical knowledge in addition to their regular studies.
Noting that the current Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, is advancing the nation by prioritizing education, S. M. Jilani mentioned that various plans have been undertaken to develop primary education. He expressed his hope that by improving educational quality and school environments, and by fostering students’ talents, the future generation would be molded into competent citizens.