Bangladesh minister retracts Dhaka University criticism after backlash

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has withdrawn his recent remarks questioning the quality of education and research at Dhaka University. The minister's comments, made during an informal podcast discussion with his wife, Barrister Rashna Imam, drew widespread criticism from teachers, students, and BNP-affiliated organizations.

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The discussion in the podcast was completely informal and spontaneous. It was not a research-based, institutional, or policy discussion.

Hajjaj described Dhaka University as a "coaching centre," arguing that most Bangladeshi universities function primarily as teaching institutions rather than research-oriented ones. He claimed that private universities like North South University and BRAC University conduct more research than Dhaka University, despite the latter receiving state subsidies. He also alleged instances of plagiarism in some university research publications and promotions despite detected plagiarism.

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As a part of my statement created some misunderstanding, many people were unhappy, and many of my loved ones and well-wishers were hurt, I am completely withdrawing the statement.

His remarks prompted sharp criticism from Dhaka University's pro-BNP teachers' platform, Shada Dol (white panel), which called the comments "deeply shameful." Professor Kamrul Hassan Mamun also criticized the minister, stating he lacked the ability to objectively assess university standards and exaggerated the importance of private institutions like North South University, where he previously worked.

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Dhaka University hardly conducts research. Even the few papers published are completely plagiarised. Some were published in the university’s own journals instead of reputable foreign journals. There have been instances where people were promoted even after plagiarism was detected.

In a Facebook post, Hajjaj clarified that the podcast discussion was informal and spontaneous, not a research-based, institutional, or policy statement. He apologized for the misunderstanding and hurt caused by his words, stating, "As a part of my statement created some misunderstanding, many people were unhappy, and many of my loved ones and well-wishers were hurt, I am completely withdrawing the statement." Leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Dhaka University also expressed resentment over the minister's comments.

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It is deeply unfortunate that a state minister responsible for education lacks the ability to properly assess university standards. Since he worked at North South University, he has exaggerated its importance.