প্রস্তাবিত শিক্ষা আইন, ২০২৬ দ্রুতThe National Education Policy 2026 is being pushed for rapid approval, sparking deep concern among education rights advocates. The Education Rights Council expressed this apprehension in a statement released on Saturday, signed by its convenor Professor Niaz Asadullah. The organization argues that it is inappropriate to enact such a significant law without public engagement, stakeholder consultation, and national consensus, especially in the lead-up to a new government formation and during the limited tenure of an interim administration.

The statement emphasizes that an education policy is a long-term and multifaceted law. Its enactment necessitates the participation of all relevant stakeholders, evidence-based analysis, and ample opportunity for broad public discussion. However, the council fears that approving the draft law in the current political climate will preclude these democratic discussions and participatory processes.

The Education Rights Council has also pointed out ambiguities in definitions, uncertainties in the governance structure, and a lack of clear implementation guidelines within the draft legislation. They believe these shortcomings could lead to administrative complexities and policy crises in the future.

The statement further highlights that opportunities for national-level discussions and reviews on comprehensive education sector reforms through an independent and inclusive permanent education reform commission have not materialized even after July 2024. In this context, the Education Rights Council proposes that the Education Law, 2026, not be approved at this juncture. Instead, the matter should be deferred to the next elected government. This would allow for the formulation of a robust, sustainable, and universally acceptable education law with the participation of all stakeholders.

Professor M. Niaz Asadullah, convenor of the Education Rights Council, stated in the release, “The education sector has been the most neglected in discussions on state reforms over the past one and a half years. A hasty enactment of the education law will be weak and limited overall. Education reform through time, dialogue, and consensus is the best path for the state and future generations.”