Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced today that the honorariums of teachers at the primary and secondary levels across the country will be increased gradually. Speaking in the House, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of proper training and professional dignity for teachers through better remuneration to ensure quality education.
Addressing Human Resources Development
During a parliamentary session, the Prime Minister highlighted the lack of progress in developing human resources during the previous authoritarian government's tenure. He noted, "During the authoritarian government's tenure, buildings were constructed, but no real progress was made in developing human resources."
Training and Professional Dignity
The Prime Minister stressed that without proper training and professional dignity, it is unrealistic to expect teachers to deliver quality education. He said, "If primary and secondary school teachers do not get proper training and professional dignity through better remuneration, it should not be expected that they will deliver quality education."
Challenges Faced by Teachers
Prime Minister Rahman pointed out the challenges faced by teachers, many of whom have to take on additional jobs to support their families. He said, "We have often seen primary school teachers finishing classes early because they have to take on a second job — whether in another educational institution, agriculture, or elsewhere. Otherwise, it becomes difficult for them to support their families."
Commitment to Education
The Prime Minister also noted that the current national budget allocates 2 percent of GDP to the education sector. He assured that the government has plans to provide training for teachers at both the primary and secondary levels. "Teachers should not be compelled to seek additional employment. Instead, they should be able to devote their full time and talents to their students. That is why increasing their honorariums is essential," he said.
Additional Announcements
In addition to increasing teachers' honorariums, the Prime Minister announced that school uniforms and school bags will be provided gradually to 12 million students from Class I to Class V enrolled in 65,000 government primary schools across the country. He also mentioned plans to export Bangladeshi jackfruit to China, following an agreement signed during his visit to China.
