Leaders of the Bangladesh College Shikshak Samity (BACSHIS) have called for the full nationalization of the country’s education system, saying the move is essential to eliminate long-standing discrimination between public and private institutions.
The demand came during a rally and discussion meeting organized by the BACSHIS Chattogram District and Metropolitan branches on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day.
Organized under the theme “Teaching Profession: Illumination by concerted efforts”,BACSHIS Central Vice-President and veteran teacher Professor Abu Taher Chowdhury, attended the event as chief guest.
Education is the backbone of the nation and teachers are its conscience, the chief guest said as he criticized the government move to raise housing allowance by only 500 taka. This token gesture is a mockery and an insult” he observed.
“As long as deep disparities persist between public and private education, Bangladesh’s development will remain hindered,” Prof Chowdhury continued as he urged teachers to unite in a national movement for nationalization of education system to restore dignity.
“We remain committed to implementing the 1966 UNESCO–ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers and to achieving full nationalization of the education sector,” BACSHIS Chattogram District President Principal Samir Kanti Dash said.
Speakers at the rally criticized what they described as policymakers’ “negative mindset” toward educators, noting that private college teachers shoulder nearly 90 percent of the nation’s higher education responsibilities yet continue to face discrimination.
They demanded parity between government and non-government teachers in housing rent, medical allowances, festival bonuses, pensions, and promotion opportunities. They also urged the government to include non-MPO (non-salaried) teachers under the MPO scheme, allow deputations to universities and education boards, and provide adequate training for all educators.
Principal Samir Kanti Dash presided over the meeting while Chattogram District Secretary Principal Muhammad Jashim Uddin moderated it .
Earlier, students from various colleges honored their teachers by presenting floral tributes in recognition of their contributions to national education.
