The government will cancel the lottery system for school admissions from next year. Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon made the announcement on March 16. He spoke at a press briefing at the Ministry of Education in Dhaka.
The minister said the current lottery method will no longer continue. He said schools will instead hold simple admission tests. He added that the process will avoid strong competition among students.
“A lottery cannot exist in any proper education system,” the minister said. He said the decision followed long research and talks with stakeholders. More discussions will take place before the final process is set.
The minister also referred to his recent statement in Parliament. He said the final method will be decided after further consultations. He said that commitment still stands.
He criticised the lottery system and compared it to gambling. He said it cannot ensure a fair academic selection process. He also warned against any coaching business built around admission tests.
If such coaching centres appear, the government will take action, he said. He added that the government may arrange support classes within schools if needed.
At the same briefing, the minister also announced new academic appointments. These included the chairman of the University Grants Commission. He also named new vice-chancellors for University of Dhaka, University of Rajshahi, University of Chittagong, and Jagannath University.
The change may affect many families who apply to public schools each year. The ministry is expected to share detailed admission guidelines before the next admission cycle begins.