Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman announced that the BNP is seeking support and cooperation from teachers in the forthcoming elections to establish a knowledge and merit-based government. This call was made during a virtual address at a teachers' rally held at Suhrawardy Udyan, coinciding with The World Teachers' Day celebrations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman emphasized the importance of teachers' support, describing them as the most conscious segment of society. He asserted that the spontaneous backing of people, particularly educators, is crucial for implementing BNP's plans for developing state politics and governance. Rahman also promised to form a high-level commission to ensure teachers' financial security and to nationalize them if BNP gains power through public votes.
Rahman outlined plans to transform educational institutions and universities into centers of education and research. He stressed the need to shift the curriculum towards technical and practical education at the school level to meet current challenges. Highlighting the importance of a knowledge-based society, he remarked that the biggest challenge for the country is to maintain its status as an influential nation-state in a competitive world.
He further stated that strengthening the teaching community is essential for building a knowledge-based state. Rahman quoted Albert Einstein, emphasizing the profound role of teachers in fostering creativity and knowledge. He advocated for enhancing teachers' financial security and societal respect to ensure a robust educational foundation.
Rahman pointed out the necessity of collaborative efforts to improve the quality of education and educational institutions, stating that BNP is formulating action plans with experts' input. These plans aim to enable teachers to become role models with confidence and ensure their financial and social security.
He stressed the importance of making the teaching profession competitive by improving opportunities and respect, particularly at the primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels. Rahman linked the respect and dignity of teachers with the state's image, arguing that honoring teachers enhances societal esteem.
Additionally, Rahman proposed including teachers in state events to recognize their contributions, suggesting a re-evaluation of the warrant of precedence to uphold the status of education and educators. He concluded by affirming BNP's commitment to establishing an 'Education Reform Commission' to revamp the curriculum with practical and technical education, ensuring the country's competitiveness on a global scale.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was the main speaker at the rally, with BNP Organizing Secretary (Cumilla Division) and Chairman of the Teachers' and Employees' Unity Alliance Principal Md. Selim Bhuiyan presiding. Former State Minister for Education Dr. ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon and National University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah also addressed the gathering.