Saif Ullah, Sunamganj Correspondent: A needle in one hand, thread in the other—she sews a student’s torn garment with deep focus. To her, this is more than just a repair; it is an expression of care, a sense of responsibility, and love for the young child attending school. Beyond her classroom teaching, Naila Begum—the headteacher of Berikandi Borokhola Government Primary School in Dharmapasha Upazila, Sunamganj—is setting an inspiring example of humanity by stepping in to help students with such small, everyday challenges.
To her students, she is not merely a teacher, but a nurturing, motherly figure. She treats the children at school with the same protective affection she shows toward her own children. For a long time, she has been performing acts like mending torn clothes or crafting notebooks by purchasing paper for students who lack them. She explains that she does these things not for publicity, but simply because it is an inherent part of her nature.
Recently, a photograph of her mending a student’s torn garment by hand went viral on social media, bringing her compassionate efforts to light. Naila Begum has since been showered with praise. Many believe that such a profound display of love and responsibility toward students truly captures the essence and beauty of the teaching profession.
Last Thursday afternoon (October 29), Khairun Nahar Lipi, an assistant teacher at the school, shared a description and a photograph of Naila Begum’s actions on her personal Facebook profile, sparking a wider conversation on social media.
Another assistant teacher at the school, Mariam Mala, noted that their headteacher frequently engages in such acts of kindness—often purchasing paper to stitch together notebooks for students who do not have any.
Faruk Jahangir, a commenter, observed that many primary school teachers go above and beyond—mending students' books and notebooks, covering fees for scholarship exams, ironing clothes for national day celebrations, or arranging medical care for sick students. There are even instances where teachers share their own tiffin or provide money for food when a child arrives at school hungry. In his view, through such actions, teachers fulfill a responsibility toward children that extends well beyond the scope of formal instruction. In his comments, Rakibul Alam highlights the importance of accountability in educational institutions, alongside the value of praising good work. He writes that while a teacher’s kindness and compassion toward students deserve recognition, it is equally necessary to offer constructive criticism regarding teachers who fail to attend school regularly or do not teach effectively. Both praise and criticism are essential components of a healthy, accountable system.
Meanwhile, Shamima Shova has offered a satirical take on how journalists cover such stories on social media, expressing concern that even a deeply humane act could be framed negatively by some.
"I don't do this for show; it’s just my nature."
Reflecting on her actions, Naila Begum says, "I have always done these things. I don’t do them to show off or to gain publicity—it is simply part of who I am. A colleague of mine took the photo and posted it on Facebook; I never intended for these actions to be publicized in the media."
She adds, "Teaching is a profession rooted in morality. Please keep me in your prayers, so that for the remainder of my career, I may continue to support my students with the same care and affection as a mother."
Beyond her professional life, Naila Begum balances various responsibilities toward her own family. A mother of three, she is married to a man who serves as the assistant superintendent of Khayerdirchar Alim Madrasa. Her eldest son is pursuing an honours degree, while her younger son has just appeared for his HSC examinations—having previously secured a GPA-5 in his SSC exams. Their only daughter is currently a student at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
Yet, it is this profound compassion for her students—alongside her dedication to her own family—that truly sets her apart. Since entering the teaching profession in 1997, she has consistently stepped in to help children with various needs, from mending torn clothes to repairing their tattered books and notebooks.
Throughout her long career, Naila Begum has served in several educational institutions. In the early stages of her career, she spent four years teaching at Badshaganj Public High School. Following this, she taught for two years at Bhatapara Government Primary School and for 15 years at Bir Government Primary School—the very school she herself attended as a child. Later, she served as the head teacher at Balijuri Government Primary School for about five years. Currently, she is employed at Berikandi Barkhola Government Primary School.
A Small Act, A Profound Lesson
Upazila Assistant Primary Education Officer Md. Sajjad Hossain remarks, "Mending a torn garment might not seem like a significant task, but for a child, this small gesture can evoke a deep sense of love and belonging."
He adds that students learn lessons in empathy, humanity, and the importance of supporting others—not just from the content within their textbooks, but also from the conduct and actions of their teachers.
While mending a torn piece of clothing may appear to be a simple, everyday occurrence, for a child feeling vulnerable or helpless, the gentle, caring touch of a teacher can transform that moment into a cherished memory. After all, a teacher’s role extends beyond imparting academic knowledge; it also involves sowing the seeds of love, humanity, and empathy in the hearts of children.
Thus, the needle and thread in Naila Begum’s hands do more than just repair a garment—they strengthen the invisible bond between teacher and student. That bond is called—affection.
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