Strict Monitoring at Field Level to Prevent Question Leaks and Cheating: Education Minister

The government has adopted a strict stance against question leaks and cheating ahead of the upcoming Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations, according to Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon. He stated that maintaining the integrity and credibility of the examinations

Bangladesh’s Minister for Education and Primary and Mass Education A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has instructed officials of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education to ensure the quick resolution of administrative problems faced by teachers coming from different parts of the country. Speakin

Distribution Completed on the First Day of the Year Primary-level students across the country have received 100 percent of their textbooks on the very first day of the year, according to Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar. He made the announcement on Thursday mor

The Election Commission of Chittagong University has officially published the final list of candidates as well as the draft ballot numbers for the upcoming central student union (Chaksu), hall union, and hostel union elections. This marks the formal beginning of the election campaign process. On Th

The ongoing shutdown at Rajshahi University (RU), called in protest over the reported humiliation of faculty members, has been suspended for seven working days following assurances from the university administration. The Officers’ Association announced that if their demands are not implemented wit

The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh has issued an urgent directive to ensure that no examinations are scheduled in high schools, colleges, or universities between September 28 and October 9, in observance of several major religious events. According to the circular released on Wednesday, Septem

At Rajshahi University (RU), syndicate members convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the reinstatement of the dormitory quota system. The meeting, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib, began at 3:00 pm at the Vice-Chancellor’s resi

The Ministry of Education has invited research proposals from faculty members and researchers working at public and private universities, as well as affiliated institutions across the country. The call is aimed at fostering quality research in a diverse range of disciplines critical to national deve

The much-anticipated Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JnUSU) election has entered its final stage as the Election Commission officially began announcing results on Saturday evening at the Senate Building. The process started shortly after 5:15 p.m., beginning with the outcomes of

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-backed student organization, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, has announced a boycott of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) and hall union elections, citing widespread irregularities and allegations of rigging. The announcement came on Thur

After a long hiatus of 33 years, the much-anticipated Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JnUSU) and hall union elections are finally set to be held on Thursday. The Election Commission, with the full cooperation of the university administration, has completed all necessary preparati

The final results of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections have been declared, confirming sweeping victories for candidates backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir in the top three positions. Announced on Wednesday morning from the university’s Senate Building, the outcome solid

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections have produced results that reflect both continuity and change in the student political landscape. While candidates backed by the Islami Chhatra Shibir-supported panel swept the top three leadership positions, one indepen

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election has once again sparked waves of heated reactions, especially from those who challenged the mainstream student political blocs. Among them, Meghmallar Basu, who contested for the General Secretary post as part of the “Resistance Council,�

Top leaders of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) met with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan on Tuesday evening to express their concerns regarding the ongoing Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. The meeting took place at the vice-chan

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election has come under fresh controversy after allegations of irregularities surfaced from a vice-president candidate. Abidul Islam Khan, a candidate backed by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing), accused the universi

The long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election concluded with voting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at eight designated centers on campus. According to university authorities, voter turnout exceeded expectations, with more than 70 percent of students casting their ballots in a f

As Dhaka University prepares for its much-discussed Central Students’ Union (Daksu) election, campaign strategies are drawing as much attention as the candidates themselves. Independent candidate Zahid Ahmad, running for Assistant General Secretary (AGS) under the Independent Student Unity Panel,

Dhaka University is set to hold its much-anticipated Central Students’ Union (Daksu) elections on Tuesday, marking a historic moment in the country’s academic and democratic journey. Ahead of the polls, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan has urged students to come forward without fear

Dhaka’s Jagannath University (JnU) witnessed a spirited protest on Sunday as teachers and students joined hands in a mass procession demanding the removal of an illegal bus stand located in front of the campus. The demonstration, organized under the banner of general students, stretched from the c

Dhaka University’s central campus witnessed a significant political event on Sunday, September 7, as the panel of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)-backed candidates for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) and hall union elections took their oath at the historic

The number of polling booths in the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections will be increased to ensure a smooth voting process, Chief Returning Officer Mohammad Jasim Uddin announced on Saturday. Speaking at a press conference at Dhaka University, he said that the ove

Tensions ran high at Jahangirnagar University (JU) in Savar after a female student was allegedly pushed off a moving bus operated by Capital Transport, sparking a student protest that resulted in the detention of 28 buses for nearly 16 hours. The standoff was eventually resolved on Wednesday after t

The Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) campus was once again at the center of unrest as students escalated their protest by blocking railway tracks, demanding justice and immediate action following a violent attack by outsiders. The move brought all train services along the crucial Dhaka–Mym

Fresh violence broke out at Chittagong University (CU) on Sunday as clashes between students and local residents once again turned the campus into a battleground. At least 30 people were injured in the incident, including the university’s Proctor, Professor Mohammad Tanvir Hayder Arif. Several of

The Chittagong University authorities have suspended all scheduled examinations following violent clashes between students and local residents, triggered by announcements made over mosque loudspeakers. The decision was confirmed on Sunday morning (31 August) by Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) P

Authorities have imposed Section 144 in Chattogram’s Hathazari upazila and its adjoining areas after clashes broke out between local residents and students of Chattogram University (CU). The decision was taken on Sunday following a series of confrontations that escalated near the university’s Ga

The Dhaka University authorities have introduced four new measures concerning the long-anticipated Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. The decisions were formally disclosed on Saturday through an official circular signed by Chief Returning Officer Professor Dr. Mohammad Jas

Tensions flared in the heart of Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon as students of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) clashed with police in front of the Intercontinental Hotel while demonstrating for their three-point demand. The protest, which began as a peaceful march towards the

The long-anticipated Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election has entered a new phase as official campaigning kicked off today, transforming the campus into a hub of student activity. Candidates have begun reaching out to voters, and the university premises are abuzz with rallies,

For the fifth consecutive day, students of Jagannath University have continued their sit-in protest, demanding supplementary scholarships, a clear policy framework for the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUSU), and a concrete roadmap from the administration. The demonstrators have w

Dhaka University Vice President (VP) candidate from the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing), Abidul Islam Khan, has alleged that rumors and misinformation are being deliberately spread across different student groups on social media in the run-up to the Dhaka University Central

The government has appointed Rehana Parvin, formerly the Executive Chairman of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA), as the new Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education. The appointment was formalized through a notification issued by the Mi

Umama Fatema, former spokesperson of the anti-discrimination student movement, has announced her independent panel for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. She will contest the vice president position under this newly formed panel. On Monday, the last day for s

Education board says she could still pass if her second paper score meets combined requirement, but inquiry disputes claims of emergency hospital visit. Anisa Ahmed, a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinee who missed her first day’s Bangla First Paper exam due to arriving late at the exam c

At least 11 construction workers were injured when a section of the roof of a dormitory building under construction at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University collapsed on Thursday, July 31. The incident occurred around 4 PM while concrete was being poured on the balcony of the building’s second

Students of Mymensingh Engineering College have issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the cancellation of their affiliation under the University of Dhaka (DU) and calling for the establishment of an independent academic structure modeled after the former Bangladesh Institutes of Technology (BIT). The

Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee reschedules all postponed 2025 HSC and equivalent exams, easing concerns among students and guardians The Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee has released the revised schedule for the postponed 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equival

Acting head of Uttara High School and College promises justice as teacher suspended over registration irregularities The acting principal of Uttara High School and College, Ivana Talukder, has promised to stand by two students who were unfairly barred from sitting their SSC exams due to alleged adm

Strict measures in place for HSC and equivalent exams; coaching centers shut, law enforcement on alert, and high-level monitoring ensured.The Government of Bangladesh is taking a firm and uncompromising stance against question paper leaks in this year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equiv

Protesters demand a concrete roadmap from authorities before returning to academic activities; concerns remain over exclusion of new batch from accommodation plans. Students of Dhaka Medical College have declared that they will not return to classes until a clear and actionable plan is presented

After days of growing unrest and a blockade in the capital, UIU revokes disciplinary action against students as part of an administrative resolution to defuse tensions.United International University (UIU), a prominent private university in Dhaka, has officially withdrawn the expulsion orders issued

Academic activities suspended and students ordered to vacate dormitories as authorities respond to unrest over campus safety concerns. Dhaka, June 21 – Dhaka Medical College (DMC), one of the country’s leading medical institutions, has been closed for an indefinite period following weeks of

A nationwide training initiative based on the now-defunct National Primary Curriculum (Revised 2021) has sparked widespread criticism and allegations of financial misconduct. The Directorate of Primary Education (DPE), in collaboration with Upazila Resource Centers (URC), has begun organizing traini

Nursing students from various institutions staged a large-scale protest at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka on Wednesday, blocking traffic as part of a demonstration centered around a single-point demand. The protest caused significant disruptions in one of the city's busiest areas and drew the attent

The Dhaka University administration has declared a day of mourning following the tragic death of student Shahriar Alam Samya. In response to the incident, the university has also announced the suspension of all classes and examinations for half the day on Thursday, May 15. The announcement was made

Teachers and students of Jagannath University (JnU) have declared that they will not vacate the Kakrail intersection following a violent police crackdown during a protest march on Wednesday, May 14. The protest, which was aimed at pressing a set of three-point demands, took a turbulent turn when law

The crisis at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) shows no signs of resolution as protests by students and the boycott of classes by faculty members continue. Though academic activities were supposed to resume on May 4, KUET enters its seventh working day without classes, as the s

The government has directed all educational institutions to prohibit student participation in rallies and assemblies that are not related to academic activities. This decision, announced in a circular issued by the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, April 29, aims to curb the growing unrest and disru

Franco-Bangla School, a prominent institution among the Bangladeshi expatriate community for promoting French language and culture, has inaugurated a new branch in the Metro Hoche area of the Paris suburbs. The opening ceremony was marked by a festive atmosphere and drew a diverse gathering of indiv

In a significant development, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) has withdrawn the temporary suspension orders against 37 of its students. This decision was made during the 102nd emergency meeting of the university’s Syndicate, held on Wednesday, April 23. The meeting was pre

In a decisive move to uphold academic integrity, five Dakhil examinees were temporarily expelled and four invigilating teachers relieved of duty at an examination center in Kachua upazila of Chandpur district. The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 22, during the Bangla second paper examination hel

A tense standoff continues at Khamarbari, the central hub for Bangladesh's agricultural sector, as agricultural diploma students have taken control of the area in solidarity with their ongoing protests. The students, who have been staging protests over their demands for higher education opportunitie

The 2024-25 academic year entrance exam at Rajshahi University (RU) for the Faculty of Arts, Law, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts (Unit A) saw several questions in the admission test papers that contained errors or incorrect answers. These mistakes were discovered during the first shift of the exam o

Technical students across Bangladesh have warned of intensified protests after expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome of a meeting held at the Ministry of Education. The students stated that no visible action had been taken by the authorities regarding their six-point demand, prompting them to

Students from multiple polytechnic institutes across the country staged a road blockade protest at Saat Rasta in the capital’s Tejgaon area on Wednesday morning, pressing forward with a six-point demand that has long been left unaddressed. The demonstration began around 10:30 AM and quickly escala

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against 11 individuals, including former Public Administration Secretary Abu Hena Morshed Jamal and former Principal Shahana Ara Begum of Ideal School and College, for allegedly enrolling 107 students through illegal means. The case was filed on

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued fresh instructions to all educational institutions across the country to observe March 25 as Genocide Day and March 26 as Independence and National Day with due solemnity and respect. The directive, signed by Md. Khalid Hossain, Ass

Education Adviser Chowdhury Rafiqul (CR) Abrar emphasized the need for a fair, peaceful, and well-organized environment for the 2025 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations. Speaking at a meeting of the National Monitoring and Law and Order Committee for the SSC exams held at

Islamic University (IU) students disrupted a meeting of the 2024-25 academic year admission committee on Tuesday, protesting the participation of pro-Awami League teachers. The students, affiliated with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, accused the teachers of supporting authoritarianism and

Chittagong University (CU) unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), organized a human chain protest on Monday (March 10) demanding stricter punishment for rape and violence against women. The demonstration took place at the university’s Shaheed

Students of Dhaka University (DU) staged a torch procession on campus on Sunday night, protesting against rape and violence against women. Meanwhile, students of Chittagong University (CU) held demonstrations demanding a swift and strict punishment for the accused.Carrying torches and chanting sloga

Dhaka University (DU) witnessed a day-long wave of protests on Sunday as students and faculty members demanded swift investigations and exemplary punishment, including public execution, for rapists amid a surge in sexual violence and abuse against women across the country. The demonstrations, marked

Dhaka University students, led by female activists, took to the streets in a midnight torch rally on Saturday (March 8), demanding public execution for rapists. The protest began at 7:30 PM in front of Rokeya Hall and circled the Vice-Chancellor’s office before returning to its starting point. The

Two students from Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Shah Asif Hafiz and Dewan Mohammad Alif, are set to represent Bangladesh in the final round of Elon Musk’s ‘Not-a-Boring Competition’ in the United States. Organized annually by Musk’s tunneling company, The Boring Company, the comp

The Chittagong University (CU) unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has organized a new member recruitment program on the university campus. The campaign began on Wednesday (March 5) at 10 a.m., with a booth set up at the university's Ze

Khulna, February 25 – Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) has announced the indefinite suspension of all academic activities due to security concerns. The university administration has ordered all students to vacate residential halls by 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 26. The

Dhaka, February 25 – BRAC University held its 16th convocation at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal, Dhaka. The event was centered around the theme 'Excellence in You,' celebrating the achievements of graduating students while acknowledging their academic excellence an

All government and private educational institutions across the country will be closed for a consecutive 40 days, starting from March 2. The extended break will encompass several public holidays, including the holy month of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, marking a long closure period for schools. According

Students of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) are planning to travel to Dhaka to submit a memorandum to the Chief Advisor in support of their six-point demands. The protest, which has been ongoing, is fueled by dissatisfaction with the current university administration, and the

Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) has announced the closure of its campus until February 28 following violent clashes between student groups demanding a ban on student politics. The decision was made during an emergency syndicate meeting on Wednesday afternoon, confirmed by Sh

A violent clash broke out at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) between activists of Chhatra Dal and supporters of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on Tuesday afternoon. The confrontation stemmed from demands to ban student politics on campus.At least 15 individuals fro

Violent clashes erupted at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) as tensions over the demand to ban student politics led to repeated confrontations between Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activists and general students. The conflict, which began on campus, later spread to nearby ar

Dhaka, Bangladesh – The funeral prayer of Shaheed Hasan, who was shot dead by police in Jatrabari on August 5 last year, was held at Dhaka University (DU). Following the funeral, students and protesters organized a coffin march demanding the banning of the Awami League for its alleged involvement

Chittagong University (CU) authorities have permanently expelled Afsona Enayet Emi, a student of the Law Department from the 2018-19 academic session, for assaulting Assistant Proctor Dr. Kurban Ali. Additionally, her academic certificate has been revoked. In further disciplinary actions, two studen

Students of Barishal University’s History Department have expressed their discontent over a newly issued notice that imposes significant fines for missing midterm exams without valid justification. The notice, which surfaced on social media, has sparked widespread criticism among students.On Tuesd

The government is set to reduce the duration of the National University’s four-year honors courses to three years. This decision was announced by Aminul Islam, the Special Assistant to the Education Adviser, at an event organized on the occasion of International Education Day on Sunday at the Inte

A violent clash between students of City College and Ideal College erupted at the Science Lab intersection in Dhaka on Sunday, February 9, leaving three students injured. The cause of the altercation remains unclear at this time.The incident, which began around 4:30 PM, resulted in a halt to traffic

Dhaka, February 9 – Police resorted to baton charges to disperse protesting students from the Assistant Training School (MATS) as they attempted to march towards the Secretariat, demanding the fulfillment of their four-point demands. The confrontation led to several students sustaining injuries.Th

Farzana Bashar has been appointed as the Acting Director of the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) at Dhaka University (DU). The announcement was made through an official order issued on Wednesday, February 5, signed by the university’s Acting Registrar, Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed.According to the office

On Sunday night (February 2), students from government-run Titumir College lifted their blockade of the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway after a two-hour protest. The students had blocked the road at the Mahakhali Amtoli intersection, but by 8 PM, they moved away from the highway and began marching back to

Dhaka, January 29 – Mohammad Rakib, a third-year chemistry student at Dhaka College, has put forward five demands following the recent clash between students of Dhaka University and its affiliated seven colleges. Rakib, who was injured in the violent confrontation on January 26 at Nilkhet, is also

The government has reappointed Professor Dr. A.K.M. Riajul Hasan, who recently retired, as the Chairman of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) on a contract basis. The decision was announced on Tuesday, January 28, via a notification signed by Abul Hayat Md. Rafique, an Additional Secr

The students of the Seven Colleges have once again issued a 24-hour ultimatum as part of their ongoing protest. This announcement was made on Tuesday evening during a press conference held at Dhaka College by Abdur Rahman, the organizer of the movement advocating for the Seven Colleges to be transfo

Students of Government Titumir College have launched a 'Shutdown Titumir' campaign, demanding the immediate transformation of the college into a university. The campaign began on Tuesday, with students suspending classes and exams to press for their demands.The decision to initiate the shutdown was

On Monday (January 27), a decision was made to end the admission tests for seven colleges under Dhaka University (DU) starting from the 2024-25 academic session. This announcement was made during a meeting between the DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan and the principals of the seven c

Dhaka, Monday (January 27) — Seven colleges in Dhaka will no longer be affiliated with Dhaka University (DU) starting from the 2024-25 academic session. The decision to discontinue the affiliation was made in a meeting held on Monday between the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor Dr. N

The Dhaka University (DU) unit of Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), paid homage to Amanullah Mohammad Asaduzzaman, a martyr of the historic 1969 mass uprising.On Monday, January 20, members of the organization laid wreaths at the Shaheed Asad Memorial near the

The results of the MBBS first-year admission test for the 2024-25 academic session in government and private medical colleges have been published. Sushobhan Bachar secured the top position with the highest score of 90.75 marks.The Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) announced the results

A violent clash broke out between Indigenous students and members of Students for Sovereignty (SFS) in front of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) office in Dhaka on Wednesday (January 15). The altercation occurred during protests against the removal of a controversial artwork from th

Students of Jagannath University (JnU) ended their 35-hour-long hunger strike on Monday evening after receiving written assurances from the Ministry of Education regarding their demands. The announcement to withdraw the strike was made by AKM Rakib, a student of the Botany Department, during a press

Students of Jagannath University (JUB) who have been on hunger strike protesting the transfer of the university’s second campus construction to the army and demanding temporary accommodation for students have given the university administration an ultimatum.At 12:30 PM today, the students, who hav

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has decided to enlist 3,206 newly appointed teachers and staff from various private schools and colleges under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme. The list includes 2,579 teachers from schools and 627 from colleges. Additionally, 2,842 individ

Jagannath University (JnU) is currently experiencing a complete shutdown as students continue their protests, which have included hunger strikes and the closure of campus gates, disrupting classes and examinations. The demonstrations began over 24 hours ago, with students demanding the handover of t

On Wednesday, January 8, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology hosted a reception for British Parliament Member Dr. Rupa Huq at their permanent campus auditorium in Uttara, Dhaka. The event, held at 4 PM, was presided over by the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education has directed that all admissions for students selected through the central lottery system for both public and private schools must be completed by December 30. Mohammad Aziz Uddin, the Secretary of the Dhaka City Enrollment Committee and Deputy Direc

The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations for 2025 are scheduled to start on April 10 with the Bangla First Paper. The exams will be held in their full format and duration, as stated in a notification issued by Professor Md. Abul Bashar, Exam Controller of the Dhaka Secondar

Jahangirnagar University (JU) students have expressed deep dissatisfaction and anger over the administration’s inaction regarding an attack on campus that took place four months ago. Despite repeated calls for justice and accountability, the university has yet to take any significant measures to i

Students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) have detained at least 27 buses of the Rajdhani Paribahan fleet on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway. The protest began on Wednesday evening, December 11, in response to allegations of misconduct by a bus assistant toward a female student. The students blocked buses

The High Court has temporarily suspended the decision to issue appointment letters to 6,531 assistant teachers for government primary schools under the third phase of recruitment. The court issued the order on Tuesday, November 19, following concerns over the application of the quota system in the h

National University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. A.S.M. Amanullah, announced that the university will reintroduce the admission test for undergraduate (Honors) first-year students starting next year. This decision was made during his speech at a student-teacher gathering at Mokamtala Women's Deg

The Dhaka University (DU) first-year undergraduate admission test for the Science unit for the 2024-25 academic year has been rescheduled due to the upcoming Bishwa Ijtema. Initially set for February 1, the Science unit exam will now be held on February 15. The decision was taken at a meeting of the

Dates Set for 2024-2025 Academic Year MBBS and BDS AdmissionsThe entrance exam for the MBBS program for the 2024-2025 academic year will be held on January 17, while the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) exam is scheduled for February 28.This decision was made in a meeting held at the Ministry of Hea