Bangla Press Desk: BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has promised to form a high-level commission to nationalise teachers' jobs, and an Education Reform Commission to reform the curriculum if his party is elected in the next general election.
The BNP stalwart said this while virtually addressing a rally organised by Shikkhok-Karmachari Oikya Jote, a pro-BNP platform, at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Tuesday, marking World Teachers’ Day.
Emphasising that the respect accorded to teachers reflects the stature of a nation, Tarique said if his party comes to power in the next general election, they will form a high-level commission to positively consider the teachers' demand for nationalisation of their jobs.
At the same time, an Education Reform Commission will be formed to reshape the country’s overall educational systems, including practical and technical education curriculum, and teachers’ appointment system on a priority basis, he said.
Tarique also said his party is developing a specific and pragmatic action plan to safeguard the financial and social security of teachers, the true architects of the nation.
He sought all-out cooperation and support of the teachers in the upcoming general election, assuring them of his commitment to building a knowledge and skill-based nation.
The BNP acting chairman also called upon his party’s rank and file to execute an advanced action plan aimed at building a prosperous, harmonious and secure Bangladesh, taking lessons from past successes and ignoring past failures.
The rally was held to press home the teachers’ demand for a non-discriminatory education system, setting the retirement age at 65 years, inclusion of educational institutions under MPOs and nationalisation of teachers’ and staffers’ jobs.
Thousands of teachers from across the country gathered at the meeting place to push their demands on the grounds of their financial hardship.
Paying heed to their demands, Tarique said the teachers will never be able to emerge as role models if they pass their days amid acute hardships.
If the status of teachers in society remains intact, the image of society will enhance, he said, adding that it is very important to include at least one teacher from each primary and secondary school to the list of invitees on national days, including the country’s Independence Day and Victory Day.
It is essential to ensure that the status of education and teachers in the state and society is upheld by re-evaluating the warrant of presidency or state rank, if necessary, he said.
At the rally, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged the teachers to be vigilant, saying that a deep-rooted conspiracy is underway to divert people’s attention from the national election.
“I want to tell you that you have a major role to play in the upcoming general election; you must fulfill your responsibilities in every place so that no one can hinder the election,” Fakhrul said.
“Our goal is one and unique, we want to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman dreamed of,” he added.
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