Staff Correspondent:

Education Adviser CR Abrar has claimed there were no lapses in the Education Ministry’s duties following the fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka. He said he has no intention of resigning voluntarily but will step down if asked by the government.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday (July 23). Earlier, he had held a meeting with Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan.

Students staged protests in front of the Secretariat and even entered the premises on the day of national mourning, Tuesday. They demanded the resignation of both the education adviser and the education secretary. The education secretary has already been withdrawn.

When asked about the government’s decision regarding his position, Adviser Abrar said, “That is for the government to decide. I am carrying out the responsibilities assigned to me.”

Asked whether he should remain in office despite the reported mismanagement, he replied, “It seems you are passing judgment yourselves. I don’t have much to add. I’m only trying to explain that there was no mismanagement.”

He added, “The secretary has been relieved of his duties. That decision was taken by a higher-level committee, and I was not involved. I cannot explain why it was done. I have no intention of resigning voluntarily. I do not believe there has been any lapse in my duties.”

“Discussions have taken place regarding me as well. If it is deemed that there were shortcomings and I am asked to leave, I will certainly go. I have no intention of clinging to this post or justifying myself,” said CR Abrar.