Elections for the governing body of Ideal School and College in the capital have reportedly been scheduled in violation of the Establishment, Study, and Academic Recognition of Private Educational Institutions Policy-2022. Accusations suggest that the elections aim to perpetuate corruption by centralizing control of all branches under the main campus.

The election schedule was declared at the office of Dhaka’s additional deputy commissioner on March 19. March 20 and 21 were designated for collecting nomination forms, with submission scheduled for Sunday. Nomination forms will be scrutinized on Monday, and March 27 set for candidacy withdrawal. Voting will take place continuously from 10 am to 4 pm on April 19, as per Rule No. 16 of Governing Body and Managing Committee Regulations-2009 for secondary and higher secondary educational institutes.

Criticism arises as only one governing body is to be elected for all branches, contradicting the 2022 policy mandating separate committees for each branch of private educational institutions. Additionally, the 2009 regulations stipulate the need for separate EIINs and governing bodies for each institution and its branches.

Allegations suggest that the school authorities, by retaining control over all branches from the main campus, aim to exploit the elections for fraudulent recruitment. Criticism intensified following a Directorate of Inspection and Audit report. Despite past oversight by a government secretary and subsequent intervention by Education Ministry Additional Secretary Md Rabiul Islam, concerns persist over attempts to establish "pocket committees" for continued control.

Reports indicate a denial of nomination forms to certain aspirants listed on the voters' roster. Acting Principal Prof Mohammad Emam Hossain defended the election schedule for forming a governing body encompassing the main campus and all branches, sidestepping questions regarding corruption allegations.

Ziaul Kabir Dulu, President of Obhubhabok Oikya Forum, demanded the suspension of the current schedule and the issuance of a new one in compliance with regulations, advocating for separate governing bodies for each branch and an updated voter list. He questioned the failure of highly-placed government officials to uphold relevant rules in governing body elections.