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 Ministry of Public Administration on Monday.

With this appointment, Rehana Parvin becomes the first woman in the history of the Education Ministry to hold the position of Secretary in the Secondary and Higher Education Division, marking a significant milestone in the representation of women in senior government leadership roles. Her transfer to the education division underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to bring experienced leadership to critical administrative positions.

The change in leadership comes in the wake of recent student protests that drew national attention. On July 21, a military aircraft crash occurred near Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, prompting widespread concern over student safety and the scheduling of examinations. Following demonstrations by students regarding examination routines on July 22, the then Senior Secretary of the division, Siddiq Zobayer, was withdrawn from his position. The government subsequently moved to appoint Rehana Parvin to stabilize and lead the division during this sensitive period.

Rehana Parvin’s appointment brings with it expectations for administrative efficiency and reform in the management of secondary and higher education. As the former Executive Chairman of NSDA, she has overseen national initiatives aimed at improving skill development and workforce readiness, experience that may influence her approach to educational policy and student welfare in her new role. Her leadership is anticipated to strengthen institutional governance and ensure the smooth conduct of academic schedules across the country.

Observers highlight that Rehana Parvin’s appointment as the first female Secretary of the division is both symbolic and strategic. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to gender inclusivity in senior administrative positions while also signaling a focus on professional competence in handling the challenges facing the education sector. With student concerns regarding examination management and campus safety still fresh, her leadership will be critical in addressing these issues and maintaining public confidence in the education system.

The Secondary and Higher Education Division oversees a vast network of public and private educational institutions across Bangladesh, including high schools, colleges, and universities. Its responsibilities include managing curricula, examinations, teacher appointments, and student affairs. Given the size and complexity of the division, effective leadership is essential to ensure quality education and equitable access for students nationwide.

Rehana Parvin’s track record at the National Skills Development Authority demonstrates her capacity for strategic planning and institutional management. During her tenure at NSDA, she spearheaded initiatives to align vocational training with industry needs, promoted skill-building programs, and emphasized administrative accountability. Analysts suggest that her experience in coordinating large-scale programs will be invaluable in managing the ongoing challenges of Bangladesh’s secondary and higher education system, particularly as it navigates reforms and modernization efforts.

The appointment also comes at a time when the education sector faces multiple challenges, including examination scheduling, infrastructure development, and student safety. The recent protests highlighted the urgency of responsive governance and transparent communication between administrators and students. As Secretary, Rehana Parvin will be expected to implement policies that balance administrative efficiency with student interests, fostering a secure and supportive learning environment.

In addition to her professional qualifications, Rehana Parvin’s leadership represents a broader move toward inclusive governance in the public sector. The presence of women in senior bureaucratic positions has historically been limited, and her appointment is seen as a milestone that may inspire greater gender representation in government leadership. Public reactions to her appointment have been largely positive, with education stakeholders expressing optimism about potential reforms and improvements under her guidance.

Looking ahead, Rehana Parvin’s priorities are likely to include streamlining examination processes, ensuring student safety across campuses, and implementing policies that enhance educational quality. Her experience with national skill development programs may also introduce a stronger focus on linking academic learning with practical skills, preparing students for both higher education and workforce readiness.

With the formal notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, Rehana Parvin assumes her new role at a critical juncture for the Secondary and Higher Education Division. Her tenure will be closely observed by educators, students, and policymakers alike, as she navigates the responsibilities of managing one of the largest divisions within the Education Ministry.

The government’s decision to appoint her reflects an effort to combine administrative expertise with progressive leadership, ensuring that the challenges highlighted by recent events are met with effective and inclusive solutions. Rehana Parvin’s appointment is expected to reinforce confidence in the division’s capacity to address ongoing concerns and implement policies that benefit students and the broader educational ecosystem of Bangladesh.