Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon alleged that nearly Tk 7,000 crore from teachers’ retirement allowances and the welfare trust was misappropriated during the previous Awami League government. He made the allegation on Tuesday while speaking as chief guest at a session on rebuilding a fragile economy and achieving sustainable development goals at Windy Town Hall of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.

Milon said the financial crisis had left teachers unable to receive their dues and allowances for a long time. He also alleged that the previous government spent thousands of crores in the name of observing August 15 and misappropriated money from various sectors. The minister urged political parties to work together rather than only criticising.

He said the government was working to improve the education system on the prime minister’s instructions and stressed that education must receive the highest priority for sustainable development. Planning State Minister Md Jonaed Abdur Rahim Saki said reliable data were essential for public welfare, sound policymaking and effective planning. Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque presented detailed ministry matters related to the SDGs.