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Published : 29 May 2026, 08:37 PM
Amid mounting criticism, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has walked back on his remarks on Dhaka University, in which he had likened the institution to a “coaching centre”.
In a Facebook post on Friday, he also claimed that the statement was not made with the intention of undermining the university's prestige or contribution to the nation.
Claiming that he made the remark to highlight his future ambitions involving the university, the state minister argued that the statement was “partial”.
Hajjaj made the comments in a recent podcast called “SameerScane”, saying Dhaka University does not conduct “even a fraction” of the research that BRAC University and North South University do.
He claimed that most universities in the country are not truly research-based institutions but are run like “teaching universities” or coaching centres.
Earlier in the day, teachers from the pro-BNP White Panel at the university condemned and protested the comparison, calling it “extremely insulting and irresponsible”.
They demanded that Hajjaj withdraw the comment immediately.
In the post, Hajjaj said, “I feel that some parts of my statement have been misunderstood and in some cases misinterpreted. Therefore, I feel the need to clarify the matter.”
Describing his statement on the podcast as personal opinion, and unrelated to the government policy, he said it was high time Dhaka University transformed into a world-class research institution.
“My intention in my speech was never to belittle the heritage, prestige or contributions of Dhaka University. It was to highlight our ambitions for the future, instead.”
According to the state minister, the podcast was a completely informal and spontaneous conversation. “It was not a research-based, institutional, or policy discussion.”
Hajjaj, also the Dhaka-13 MP, said: “I'm clear about one thing: I have deep respect for the history, heritage and contribution of Dhaka University to nation building.
“I want this university to gain a stronger position not only as the heart of higher education in Bangladesh, but as a recognised hub of world-class research, innovation and knowledge.”
He said combined efforts will greatly help achieve the goal, making Dhaka University a richer, more research-based and more competitive institution by international standards.
