Sanaa:The government is committed to addressing the legitimate demands of teachers, balancing these with its capacity, as stated by Mahdi Amin, the Prime Minister's Adviser on Education and Primary and Mass Education Ministry. Necessary policies will be formulated and implemented swiftly to achieve this goal.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahdi Amin made these remarks at a teachers' rally organized by the 'Teachers-Employees Unity Alliance' at the Institution of Engineers auditorium. The event was attended by BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister's Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, who served as the chief guest.
Mahdi Amin highlighted that the previous government's corruption had left teachers' benefits and retirement allowances unpaid. However, within six months of assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman managed to secure Taka 2,000 crore to address these issues. The government aims to prioritize the welfare of the teaching community moving forward.
The government also announced measures to enhance the professional dignity and modernization of teachers. This includes increasing the number of teachers honored on World Teachers' Day and ensuring social and administrative recognition for those who supported student movements despite facing persecution under the previous regime. The 'One Teacher, One Tab' program is being launched to improve teachers' technological skills, alongside plans for international teacher exchange programs, higher education opportunities, and strengthening industry-academia linkages.
Mahdi Amin praised teachers for their role in supporting democracy during key moments in history, such as the Liberation War and the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s. He credited groundbreaking initiatives like the modernization of education systems and the establishment of the Retirement Benefit Board to the BNP governments of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
The rally, presided over by Principal Selim Bhuiyan, President of the Teachers-Employees Unity Alliance, included representatives from across the country. Addresses were made by BNP Central Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Assistant Finance Secretary Mahmudur Rahman Sumon, JASAS Convener Helal Khan, and the alliance's Secretary General Chowdhury Mugis Uddin Mahmud.