The Ministry of Education has issued new regulations regarding the formation of governing bodies and managing committees of private schools and colleges in Bangladesh. According to a gazette published on Sunday (August 31), no individual can serve as the president of a governing body for more than two consecutive terms. Additionally, nominees for the position must hold at least a four-year bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate degree from a recognized university.

The new policy, titled Governing Body and Managing Committee Regulations–2025, has already been enforced under the Dhaka, Barishal, Mymensingh, and Sylhet education boards.

As per the gazette, a person cannot serve as president of more than one institution at the same time, and the maximum number of governing body or managing committee presidencies one individual can hold is three.

To nominate a president, the head of the institution must submit a list of up to three candidates, along with their profiles, to the respective education board. Eligible nominees may include government officials of certain grades, professors from public universities or government colleges, the institution’s founder, or technical degree holders with relevant qualifications.

The regulations also detail the structure of managing committees, ensuring representation from teachers, female teachers, guardians, and female guardians. The number and type of representatives will vary depending on whether the institution includes primary, secondary, or higher secondary levels.

The Ministry of Education stated that the new policy aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to the management of private educational institutions.

In Chuadanga’s Damurhuda upazila, a retiring teacher received a royal farewell that turned into a celebration of love and respect for education. After serving for 30 years, founding teacher of Kanaidanga Secondary School, Sayedur Rahman Said, was given a grand send-off on Sunday (31 August).

The farewell program, held on the school premises, drew a large gathering of current and former students, colleagues, guardians, and local dignitaries. The event was marked by an emotional atmosphere, where students’ tears and heartfelt tributes reflected the deep respect for their beloved teacher.

As part of the ceremony, Sayedur Rahman was taken home to his village, Chatianatla, on a decorated horse cart — a first-of-its-kind farewell in the area.

Rafiqul Hasan Tonu, General Secretary of Damurhuda BNP and chief guest at the program, remarked, “Such a royal farewell is not just the history of a school, but a proud day for the education sector of this region.” Headteacher Md Ferdous and School President Advocate Shamimur Rahman Sabuj also expressed their gratitude and emotions in their speeches.

Overwhelmed, the retiring teacher said, “I have been with this school since its founding days. Today’s farewell has deeply moved me and filled me with gratitude.”

The program concluded with the horse-cart journey, as villagers joined in creating a festive atmosphere, turning the farewell into a memorable chapter for the community.

Fresh clashes erupted at the University of Chittagong (CU) on Sunday, leaving at least 30 students injured after local residents launched an attack on campus. The university’s proctor and several students suffered serious head injuries, while the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin, collapsed during the violence.

Eyewitnesses said the pro-VC, registrar, and members of law enforcement attempted to mediate between students and locals to ease tensions. However, locals refused to engage in dialogue. As the university officials were leaving, groups of locals armed with sticks and brickbats attacked, injuring students and administrators. Some students alleged that crude explosives were also detonated during the assault.

The violence follows a series of confrontations that began on Friday, when students clashed with locals. On Sunday morning, students closed the main gate and staged a protest at the Zero Point area, demanding justice against the attackers. Later, as students moved toward the site of Saturday night’s clashes, locals confronted them again, escalating the conflict.

The dispute reportedly stemmed from an incident in which a female CU student was physically assaulted by a building caretaker. Following this, tensions spiraled into violent confrontations on multiple occasions.

On Saturday night, clashes continued from 11:30 pm until 4:00 am, during which locals threw brickbats at students. At least 20 injured students were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Two members of the university’s proctorial body were also hurt. The army was deployed overnight to restore order.

In response to the worsening situation, Pro-VC Kamal Uddin announced the postponement of all examinations but confirmed that regular classes would continue. He also assured that shuttle train services for students would operate according to schedule.

Students have expressed anger and fear, demanding strict action against the attackers and increased security around the campus. Many described the incidents as an attack on their right to safety and education.