State Minister Bobby Hajjaj retracts controversial remarks regarding Dhaka University

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State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has formally retracted his recent controversial remarks regarding the University of Dhaka, following a public outcry over his comparison of the institution to a coaching center. The minister issued a statement via his verified Facebook page on Friday, expressing regret for the misunderstanding and clarifying that his comments did not reflect the official stance of the government.

The controversy stemmed from an informal interview on a podcast titled “SameerScane,” in which Hajjaj offered a critique of the country’s higher education landscape. Following the backlash, the minister asserted that his words were personal opinions and were never intended to diminish the historic prestige or contributions of Dhaka University. He stated that his primary intent was to highlight the urgent need for the institution to transition into a world-class center for research and innovation.

Hajjaj addressed the broader context of his critique, pointing to the challenges higher education in Bangladesh has faced over the past 17 years. He cited concerns regarding a decline in academic rigor, the politicization of faculty recruitment and promotions, and recurring allegations of plagiarism. He emphasized that these trends, which he described as antithetical to academic excellence, were the focus of his critical remarks.

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The minister underscored that the podcast discussion was an impromptu conversation rather than a formal policy discourse, noting that had it been an official setting, his language would have been more structured. He reaffirmed his deep respect for the university’s legacy and its role in nation-building, expressing his support for the current administration’s efforts to foster an environment defined by intellectual integrity and meritocracy.

Concluding his statement, Hajjaj acknowledged that his comments had caused offense and frustration among many, including university stakeholders and his own supporters. By retracting the statement, he expressed hope that the matter would be put to rest, reiterating his commitment to seeing Dhaka University evolve into a competitive, research-driven institution that upholds the highest standards of academic honesty.