Bobby Hajjaj Withdraws Remarks on Dhaka University Following Criticism

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has withdrawn comments he made about Dhaka University after they sparked widespread criticism and debate across social media and academic circles.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on 29 May, Hajjaj said he was fully withdrawing the remarks and expressed hope that doing so would bring an end to the controversy and misunderstandings that had emerged around the issue.

The backlash began after excerpts from comments made by the state minister during a podcast titled “SameerScane” circulated widely in the media and on social media platforms. The remarks drew strong reactions from students, alumni and others connected to the country’s oldest university.

Addressing the criticism, Hajjaj said parts of his comments had been misunderstood and, in some cases, misinterpreted. He stressed that the views expressed during the discussion reflected his personal opinions and should not be considered the official position or policy of the government.

According to the state minister, his intention was to highlight what he sees as the need for Dhaka University to evolve into a more globally recognised research institution. He said his comments were not intended to diminish the university’s history, standing or contributions, but rather to express aspirations for its future development.

In the same statement, Hajjaj referred to challenges facing the country’s higher education sector over the past 17 years. He pointed to what he described as inadequate emphasis on research, the influence of political considerations in academic matters and concerns regarding transparency and merit-based evaluations in the recruitment and promotion of university teachers.

He also mentioned allegations of plagiarism and other unethical academic practices that have surfaced at different times, saying such conduct has no place in a respected institution of higher learning.

Hajjaj noted that the discussion took place in an informal podcast setting and was not intended as a research-based, institutional or policy-focused conversation. He said that if the discussion had been conducted in a formal academic or policy context, the language and presentation would have been more structured and precise.

Despite the controversy, the state minister reiterated his respect for Dhaka University and its role in the country’s history. He said he holds deep regard for the institution’s heritage and contribution to nation-building.

Concluding his statement, Hajjaj expressed hope that Dhaka University would continue to strengthen its position not only as a leading centre of higher education in Bangladesh but also as a globally recognised hub for research, innovation and knowledge.

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His withdrawal of the remarks marks the latest development in a debate that has drawn significant public attention, with the minister now seeking to clarify his intentions and close the discussion surrounding his comments.