Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Tuesday categorically said the government has neither any plan nor any discussion to exclude fundamental subjects such as Bangla, philosophy and history from honours courses.

Responding to a question from journalists after ECNEC meeting at the Secretariat today, he clarified the government’s position regarding rumours circulating over the issue.

The Education Minister said, “There has been no discussion at any of our policy-making levels about removing Bangla, philosophy and history from honours courses in higher education. As far as I know, there is not even any such proposal. These are completely baseless claims.”

Referring to the government’s current reforms and priorities in the education sector, he said, “We are mainly emphasising career-oriented and technical education. New subjects and courses are being incorporated into the curriculum in line with the demands of the time and the global market. Work is underway to strengthen the linkage between industry and academia.”

The minister further said that inclusion of new courses based on market demand or modernisation of the curriculum has no relation to excluding traditional and fundamental subjects.

He said curriculum revision and efforts to address teacher shortages are continuing in a regular manner through the respective academic councils of universities.

The Education Minister urged all concerned not to pay heed to baseless and misleading information.