Refrain from taking decision on political considerations

Leaders of the National Front of Teachers and Employees (NFTE), a platform of 11-teachers and employees organisations of non-government high schools, colleges and madrasas, said new debate will emerge if the government announces Fazil and Kamil degrees as equivalent to graduation (pass) and master degrees under the National University.

The cabinet committee on upgrading the madrasa education has already finalised the recommendation to recognise Fazil and Kamil degrees as equivalent to graduation (pass) and master degrees of general education under the National University. The committee will formally sign the recommendation report tomorrow.

Meantime, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has announced the Dawra degree of Qawami madrasa as equivalent to master's degree of general education on August 21.

"Madrasa education is totally different from the general education system. It can be upgraded by establishing different Islami University, not merging with the general education," said NFTE chief co-ordinator Prof Quazi Faruque in a press release.

He also said the quality of Qawami Madrasa education will not improve if the existing syllabi and curricula remain. "Mere recognition will not change the quality of Qawami Madrasa students," he added.

The signatories of the press release include NFTE Conveners Azizul Islam, Prof Shahjahan, Prof MA Rashid and Prof MA Sattar.