Dhaka: Eminent writer, academic, and public intellectual Professor Dr. Salimullah Khan has voiced concerns over what he describes as persistent efforts to undermine the heroism displayed by students and citizens during the July-August mass uprising. He emphasized the courage shown by the youth and the unity of the people as invaluable assets that must be protected from numerous attempts to erode them.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Khan shared these insights while speaking as the main speaker at a seminar titled ‘Education Reform Dialogue.’ The event was held at the District Shilpokola Academy Auditorium, aimed at fostering discussions on reforming Bangladesh’s education system to align with the aspirations of the mass uprising. The seminar was organized jointly by ‘Rastralap Pathchakro,’ ‘Bigyanchetna Parishad,’ and the ‘State Reform Movement.’
Presiding over the seminar was noted writer and organizer Nahid Hasan Knowledge, with moderation by Advocate Raihan Kabir, Ombudsman of the Nat
ional Executive Committee of the State Reform Movement. Other notable speakers included Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Chairman of the Eco Social Development Organization (ESDO); Professor Chinu Kabir, coordinator of the State Reform Movement Rangpur district committee; Dr. Md. Ferdous Rahman Polash, Associate Professor at Prime Medical College Hospital; and poet and teacher Ahmed Maudud.
Professor Dr. Salimullah Khan remarked on the unfulfilled goal of building a Bangladesh based on equality, human dignity, and justice 53 years after independence. He highlighted that real implementation of these values would require significant reforms in the education and health systems, as they are closely linked with food security. “If a child does not eat for two days, then that child’s education is not complete,” he stated, advocating for education in the mother tongue of each child and expansion in educational opportunities.
He critiqued the current education system’s focus on producing career-oriented professionals such a
s doctors and engineers, emphasizing the need to create humane citizens aware of their rights and duties. He alleged that students are forced into science, humanities, and business education tracks in class nine, advocating for the freedom to choose one’s educational path.
Nahid Hasan highlighted the need for constitutional, judicial, and governmental reforms to honor the sacrifices made during the uprising, particularly those of Shahid Abu Sayeed. Lipi Debgupta presented a concept paper on education reform, pointing out state discrimination against underprivileged children and inconsistencies in primary education and teacher remuneration.