Who Will Be the Next Education Minister? Obaidul Islam, Milon, and Osman Faruk in the Spotlight

Staff Reportet

Following the victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the formation of the new government is in its final stages. Intense party-level discussions are ongoing regarding the structure of the
cabinet and the allocation of key ministries. Among these, the question of who will lead the Ministry of Education has attracted
significant attention from politicians, the education community, and the general public alike.

Three names have repeatedly come up in speculation—Professor Dr. Obaidul Islam, Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Haq Milon, and Osman Faruk. Prof. Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam currently serves as the Education
Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and is the Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University. Previously, he was the General Secretary of the White Faction at Dhaka University and also
served as Secretary General of the teachers’ organization UTAB. With long-term active involvement in teachers’ rights movements, he is a recognized and respected figure in the education sector. His political
ties to Bagerhat-4 (Morelganj-Sharankhola) have also been discussed, although the party ultimately nominated another candidate for that
seat. Nevertheless, his inclusion in the cabinet as a technocrat is not being ruled out.

Meanwhile, former State Minister of Education Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Haq Milon won Chandpur-1 (Kachua) with 133,162 votes under the Dhanshree
symbol. Given his previous experience in the education ministry and administrative expertise, discussions about appointing him as the full
Education Minister have intensified. Party sources say his experience and managerial capacity make him a strong candidate for a key
ministerial role.

Also on the list is former Education Minister Osman Faruk, who won Kishoreganj-3 (Karimganj-Taraile). Having previously led the Education
Ministry, he is considered experienced in administration. However, some have criticized his active engagement at the local level during challenging party periods. Still, as a senior and seasoned leader, his
name remains in circulation.

Party sources indicate that BNP has almost finalized the cabinet blueprint, with decisions expected to be based on experience,
political contribution, and election results. Until the official announcement, speculation over the next Education Minister continues
in political circles.