The Ministry of Education has directed the creation of a list of retired and physically capable teachers across Bangladesh to increase classroom teaching activities. According to an official letter signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Shirin Akter, managing committees of educational institutions have been instructed to recruit teachers from this list as needed. The directive was sent to all district commissioners, upazila executive officers, and the Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.

The ministry explained that teaching activities in classrooms are being disrupted due to a shortage of teachers and delays in recruitment by the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA). To ensure quality education, upazila-based pools of retired teachers will be formed with the approval of local managing committees and guidance from upazila executive officers. Institutions will cover honorarium expenses from their own essential funds.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan also stated that retired teachers might be appointed as presidents of managing committees or governing bodies of schools, colleges, and madrasas. He added that a commission could be formed for this purpose, though no formal decision has yet been made.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced new regulations to improve service quality for Hajj pilgrims and prevent harassment by accommodation and service providers in Makkah and Madinah. According to a Gulf News report published on Saturday, the new rules will impose doubled fines for repeated violations, and licenses may be permanently revoked for persistent offenders. The monitoring and enforcement period will run from the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Qi'dah until mid-Muharram.

The ministry stated that penalties will increase with each repeated offense, including during and after the Hajj season. In addition to financial fines, administrative actions such as temporary suspension or sealing of establishments may be applied. Companies found violating rules three times consecutively could lose their licenses entirely.

Fines will range from 2,000 to 14,000 riyals for hotels and accommodations, and from 1,000 to 50,000 riyals for temporary Hajj camps. The penalties are scaled according to company size, from 25 percent for small firms to 100 percent for large ones. Authorities said the measures aim to ensure maximum safety and comfort for pilgrims and reflect a zero-tolerance policy toward negligence or fraud.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has said that retired teachers from schools, colleges, and madrasas may be appointed as presidents of managing committees or governing bodies in various private educational institutions. He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing a program at Azimpur Government Girls School and College auditorium in Dhaka.

The minister explained that a commission could be formed with retired teachers to select presidents for managing committees across the country, which he believes would help improve the education system. He noted that no formal decision has been made yet, but the process is under consideration. The minister was speaking at a meeting with center secretaries of the Dhaka region ahead of the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations, organized by the Dhaka Board of Secondary and Higher Education.

During the event, the minister emphasized that improving teaching quality is a top priority, noting that many teachers do not teach properly, leading parents to rely on private tutors or coaching centers.

Several educational institutions in Dhaka have begun pilot online classes to address the ongoing energy crisis. On Sunday, April 12, 2026, Vikarunnesa Noon School and College started virtual lessons at 9 a.m., where teachers conducted classes from their classrooms while students joined from home. The initiative is being tested during the Baishabi holidays, with plans to expand to the school section soon.

According to the education ministry, the program is part of a broader plan to introduce online classes three days a week in metropolitan schools and colleges. A stakeholder meeting was held on April 8 to discuss the proposal, and the decision was announced on April 9 by Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon. The schedule alternates between online and offline classes throughout the week, aiming to reduce energy consumption and encourage digital learning.

If successful, the ministry plans to gradually expand the hybrid model nationwide as part of its digital education strategy.

Rajshahi University authorities have temporarily suspended the residential privileges of three students, including the Assistant General Secretary (AGS) of the Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall Students’ Union, following allegations of conducting an unauthorized search in a dormitory room. The incident occurred early Saturday when the students reportedly searched room 121 on suspicion that a woman had entered the hall. The hall provost, Professor Dr. Mahbubar Rahman, confirmed the decision in a notice issued at 4 a.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

According to the notice, the allegation of a woman entering the hall was found to be baseless. However, the students were penalized for violating hall discipline by conducting the search without authorization. The hall’s Vice President (VP), Md. Mozammel Haque, was also served a show-cause notice. The provost stated that no one other than the hall administration has the authority to conduct searches in residential halls.

A meeting held later that day between hall leaders and student representatives turned contentious, leading to a temporary suspension of proceedings before the final decision was made to revoke the students’ residential privileges.

Students at primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels across Bangladesh are receiving a continuous three-day holiday this week, confirmed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education. However, the madrasa holiday schedule differs, as the Directorate of Madrasa Education stated that only April 14 is included in their official holiday list, leaving April 12 and 13 as regular working days.

According to the annual holiday calendar, schools and colleges will remain closed on April 12 for the Baisabi festival, April 13 for Chaitra Sankranti, and April 14 for Pahela Baishakh. Regular classes will resume on Wednesday, April 15. In contrast, madrasas will observe only one day off on April 14 due to religious considerations, meaning their students will not enjoy the extended break.

The variation in holiday schedules highlights the differing observances between general and religious educational institutions during the April festivities.

Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Raiqul Uddin took an unusual step by working on a government holiday to address administrative delays. On Saturday, April 11, 2026, he was seen in his office reviewing and signing pending files to reduce the long-standing backlog and improve the pace of official work. The initiative aimed to ensure faster decision-making and greater efficiency in university administration.

Students and administrative staff welcomed the vice-chancellor’s decision, describing it as a positive example of dedication and direct supervision. Dr. Uddin stated that his main goal was to minimize bureaucratic delays, noting that some files had previously remained pending for up to four months. He emphasized that such efforts were necessary to bring momentum to official activities.

Observers within the university believe that the vice-chancellor’s hands-on approach could play a significant role in resolving administrative bottlenecks and improving overall institutional efficiency.

Md. Saiful Islam, Deputy Director of the Public Relations, Information and Publication Office at Jagannath University, has achieved second place in the 2022 Master’s final examination in Mass Media and Journalism with first-class results. He earned the degree under the National University from the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), and the results were published recently.

Earlier, Saiful Islam also secured fifth place with first-class results in the Post Graduate Diploma examination from the same institution. His consistent academic excellence has drawn appreciation from colleagues. Observers believe that such achievements, alongside professional responsibilities, serve as an inspiration for others.

The recognition highlights the balance between professional duties and academic pursuit within the university’s administrative community.

Government employees in Bangladesh could enjoy a continuous five-day holiday this week if they manage two days of personal leave. According to the official holiday schedule, April 14, Tuesday, will be a public holiday for Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year. By taking leave on Wednesday and Thursday, April 15 and 16, employees can extend their break through the weekend.

Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18, are regular weekly holidays in Bangladesh, completing the five-day stretch. The opportunity follows shortly after the long Eid-ul-Fitr holidays that employees recently enjoyed. The arrangement offers a chance for extended rest or travel without requiring significant additional leave.

The report highlights how strategic leave planning around national and weekly holidays can maximize time off for public sector workers, aligning with the country’s official holiday calendar.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan stated that technical education has become the main driving force of Bangladesh’s national development. Speaking on Saturday at the Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute during the regional round of the ‘Skills and Innovation Competition,’ he emphasized that sustainable economic progress is impossible without skilled manpower. He added that the goal is not only to provide certificates but to build employable skills that can compete in the global labor market.

The competition, organized under the Directorate of Technical Education’s ‘Accelerating and Strengthening Skills for Economic Transformation (ASSET)’ project, featured 84 innovative projects from 28 technical institutions in the Rajshahi region. Six of these were selected for the national round to be held in Dhaka on May 17. The minister highlighted the government’s priority to transform youth into skilled, innovative, and technology-driven human resources, ensuring inclusive technical education for women, marginalized groups, and persons with special needs.

Senior officials from the Technical and Madrasa Education Division, Directorate of Technical Education, and Rajshahi administration attended the event, which also included a rally, seminar, and award ceremony.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon announced a strict stance to ensure transparency in the upcoming 2026 SSC and equivalent examinations. Speaking at two separate events in Rajshahi on Saturday, he stated that no irregularities or excuses, including power outages affecting CCTV cameras, would be tolerated. He emphasized proper preservation of all exam-related documents and hinted at new laws to prevent question paper leaks, ensuring accountability for everyone involved.

The minister also criticized the ‘ward quota’ in university admissions, urging merit-based selection. He proposed that district commissioners enroll their children in local government schools to enhance institutional accountability. Addressing the Skills and Innovation Competition 2026 at Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute, he highlighted the shortage of skilled workers in Bangladesh and underscored the importance of technical education as a key driver of national development.

He directed the installation of CCTV cameras in all polytechnic classrooms to monitor teaching quality remotely from Dhaka, reinforcing his commitment to transparency and accountability in education management.

Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, has urged people to refrain from spreading unverified information and rumors on social media. According to the Saudi Press Agency, he issued the warning during his Friday sermon on April 11, 2026. The Imam emphasized that those involved in creating or promoting rumors bear moral responsibility and advised worshippers to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid excessive preoccupation with worldly matters.

He further stated that spreading false or misleading information harms both individuals and society and is considered sinful. The sermon highlighted the importance of truthfulness and integrity among Muslims. Saudi authorities have intensified such warnings amid ongoing regional tensions, stressing that spreading rumors that could undermine national security and stability is a serious offense.

Official information indicates that those convicted of disseminating false information online may face up to five years in prison, fines of up to three million Saudi riyals, and confiscation of devices used in the offense. Authorities have urged the public to rely only on verified government sources for information.

All primary, secondary, and higher secondary educational institutions across Bangladesh will remain closed for three consecutive days from Sunday, April 12, to Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The closure schedule was confirmed after reviewing the annual holiday list.

According to the list, Sunday, April 12, marks a holiday for the Baisabi festival, followed by a holiday on Monday, April 13, for Chaitra Sankranti, and another on Tuesday, April 14, for the Bengali New Year. These three holidays will combine with the regular weekend holidays on Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11, resulting in a total of five consecutive days off for all schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions.

The extended break will apply nationwide, covering all levels of education from primary to higher secondary, as outlined in the official holiday schedule.

Professor Dr. Rois Uddin has officially taken charge as the new vice-chancellor of Jagannath University on February 27. In an interview with Amader Desh, he discussed his plans for academic reform, campus development, and administrative transparency. He said all department heads and deans have shown a strong desire for positive change and pledged full cooperation in building a modern, student-friendly campus.

The vice-chancellor emphasized resolving academic stagnation, session jams, and accommodation shortages as his top priorities. A high-level committee has been formed to address these issues. He announced a four-step teacher recruitment process involving preliminary, written, and demonstration tests before the final interview, aiming to eliminate favoritism and political influence. He also stated that the university would not tolerate corruption or banned political activities, stressing that merit and fairness would guide all decisions.

Regarding infrastructure, he said efforts are underway to recover and complete student halls, with support from local authorities. The naming of a female dormitory after former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be decided by the academic council and syndicate. Work on the second campus is being closely monitored in coordination with the army to ensure timely progress.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan MP has directed officials to ensure that the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations are conducted fairly and without cheating. On Friday, he gave these instructions during a Zoom meeting with center secretaries of the Chattogram Education Board and the region’s madrasa and technical boards. The minister emphasized installing CCTV cameras in all exam rooms and using IPS systems to maintain uninterrupted monitoring during power outages.

He noted that these measures would help oversee exam centers in remote hilly areas of Chattogram. Referring to past success between 2001 and 2006, he expressed confidence that collective efforts by teachers could again ensure cheating-free exams. He assured teachers of full security and urged them to perform their duties without fear. The minister also instructed examiners to award marks strictly based on correct answers and warned that question paper leaks would be treated as serious crimes.

He called for cooperation from local MPs, political leaders, and journalists to ensure smooth exam management and contribute to building a meritorious nation.