Monthly Oversight Mandate: Education Secretary Urges Focus on Co-Curricular Activities and Cleanliness
Abdul Khalek, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, has instructed that relevant officials conduct monthly inspections of various government departments and educational institutions. During these visits, he emphasized the importance of co-curricular activities among students and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.
On Tuesday, 7 April, during inspections of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), the Directorate of Inspection and Audit (DIA), the Education Engineering Department, and Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College, the Education Secretary conveyed this directive.
During the inspections, the Secretary inquired about officials’ punctuality and ensured timely office attendance. He also instructed measures to prevent electricity wastage, limit air conditioner usage, and maintain cleanliness in offices.
In an evening press release, Secretary Abdul Khalek’s Private Secretary Muhammad Helal Chowdhury confirmed these details. He stated that during the inspections, the Secretary remarked: “We aim not only to deliver textbooks but also to develop students into skilled and well-rounded individuals. Special emphasis should be placed on co-curricular activities and creativity. The primary purpose of today’s surprise inspection is to monitor the overall condition of educational institutions and, through this, ensure the students’ skill development and mental growth.”
“The quality of our work determines the quality of our education system. Cleanliness and sincere service must be our commitment,” he added.
The Secretary further said: “To develop students more effectively, we will personally or through our representatives inspect educational institutions at least once every month. This will allow us to regularly monitor progress and provide necessary guidance.”
During the inspections, Secretary Abdul Khalek also issued several key instructions to education administration officials, emphasizing that offices must always remain clean, staff should attend work on time, and responsibilities must be performed diligently. “It must be remembered that the quality of our work determines the standard of the education system,” he stated.
While inspecting various classrooms at Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College, the Secretary inquired about students’ engagement in studies as well as other co-curricular activities.
He noted: “The main objective of this surprise inspection is to assess the overall condition of our educational institutions, with special attention to students’ skill and mental development. The maintenance of cleanliness and a conducive environment in the institution is truly commendable. However, I wish to express some concerns—there appears to be a shortfall in co-curricular activities and other non-academic programs among students. An educational institution cannot remain confined to textbooks alone. Sports, cultural programs, and creative activities are essential to develop students into competent, confident, and well-rounded individuals. I call upon all concerned to give greater focus to these areas.”
He concluded: “I announce that to help students become more skilled and capable, I or my representatives will personally conduct inspections at least once a month. This will enable us to monitor progress regularly and provide the necessary guidance.”
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