Bobby Hajjaj withdraws remarks comparing DU to coaching centre after backlash
He said the remarks reflected his personal opinions and did not represent the official position or policies of the government
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has withdrawn his remarks about Dhaka University following widespread criticism over comments comparing the institution to a coaching centre.
In a post published on his verified Facebook page today (29 May), Bobby Hajjaj said he was fully withdrawing his remarks and hoped the move would put an end to the controversy and misunderstandings surrounding the issue.
The controversy erupted after excerpts from his comments made during a podcast titled "SameerScane" were circulated in the media and on social media platforms, triggering strong reactions from students, alumni and others.
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In the Facebook post titled "Regarding the recent discussion and misrepresentation of remarks on Dhaka University," the state minister said some parts of his comments had been misunderstood and, in some cases, misinterpreted.
He said the remarks reflected his personal opinions and did not represent the official position or policies of the government.
According to Bobby Hajjaj, his intention was to stress the need to transform Dhaka University into a more globally recognised research university.
He said his comments were never intended to undermine the university's history, dignity or contributions, but rather to express aspirations for its future.
The state minister also criticised what he described as challenges facing the country's higher education sector over the past 17 years, including insufficient emphasis on research, political considerations in academic matters and questions surrounding transparency and merit-based evaluations in teacher recruitment and promotions.
He also referred to allegations of plagiarism and other unethical academic practices that have surfaced at different times, saying such practices have no place in a prestigious university.
Bobby Hajjaj said the discussion in the podcast was informal and spontaneous, and not intended as a research-based, institutional or policy discussion.
He added that had it been a formal academic or policy discussion, the language and presentation would have been more structured and precise.
Despite the controversy, the state minister said he holds deep respect for Dhaka University's history, heritage and contribution to nation-building.
He expressed hope that the university would strengthen its position not only as the centre of higher education in Bangladesh, but also as a globally recognised hub for research, innovation and knowledge.
