Ensure respect and remuneration for teachers

It is said that education is the backbone of the nation, but the condition of those who build that backbone in Bangladesh is quite pitiable. There is neither appropriate respect nor adequate remuneration for them. Despite ongoing discussions about this issue for a long time, their plight seems to be worsening day by day. A recent example of this was seen even after the mass uprising, where teachers were physically assaulted. Numerous teachers from various schools took to the streets demanding job regularization and salary increases, but their voices went unheard.

Due to the lack of proper respect and remuneration for teachers in society, many graduates no longer express a desire to become teachers. Compared to professions like doctors, engineers, or civil service jobs, teaching is now perceived as little more than a voluntary effort. In terms of salary structure, teachers in primary and secondary schools are still earning wages akin to those of third-class employees.

According to data from the Bangladesh Public Service Commission, assistant teachers in government primary schools in Bangladesh receive a basic salary of 11,000 Taka in the 13th grade, with total remuneration including house rent and medical allowances amounting to 19,500 Taka. This is the lowest salary structure for teachers in South Asia, equivalent to about 170 dollars per month. In comparison, a teacher in the Maldives earns an average monthly salary of 953 dollars, in India it is 284 dollars, and in Pakistan it is 206 dollars. Thus, the condition of teachers in Bangladesh is evident. Even a driver with an eighth-grade education earns more than this.

With such a salary structure, it is impossible to improve the living standards of teachers. If teachers' living standards do not improve, there will be no overall improvement in education. Many primary and secondary school teachers in Bangladesh resort to tutoring, running coaching centers, or engaging in small businesses to support their families. In rural areas, many take up agricultural work. In cities, some run pharmacies or mobile shops. So where is their free time during the day? Without some leisure, when will they have the opportunity to further their studies? If they do not study, how will they connect with modern thoughts and ideas?

Thus, the root of the problem lies in the low salaries, and there are many issues at hand. Currently, there is much discussion about the education sector in the country. Education committees are being formed, and changes to curricula and textbooks are on the agenda. This is a positive step. However, there has been little discussion about improving teachers' standards, enhancing their skills, and increasing their salaries. Education experts and teacher organizations have stated that without addressing the salary issue, the government's approach to providing quality education will remain fundamentally inadequate.

Therefore, we advocate that the primary condition and consideration for improving the education system should be increasing teachers' salaries. This will allow them to live comfortably and dedicate themselves sincerely to providing quality education to young, sensitive children.