Maintaining Respectful Teacher-Student Bonds

We used to read a beautiful poem by Kazi Quader Nawaz in our textbooks when we were children. In it, King Alamgir observed his son pouring water over the Maulvi's feet, while the Maulvi himself was cleaning the dust from his feet with his own hands. The following day, the king summoned the Maulvi to the court and questioned him about this display of disrespect. He asked, "Why didn't my son clean the dust from your feet with his own hands?" The Maulvi replied, "From this day forward, the teacher's head has been elevated forever."

However, today’s Bangladesh has been slipped from that ideal. The deep bond of love and respect between students and teachers that once existed has largely faded. Education has become a commodity, with many teachers turned to mere clerks and students merely consumers. The noble pursuit of knowledge has nearly vanished. The cherished relationship of mutual respect between students and teachers is no longer prevalent.

This issue has become even more pronounced with the recent shift in power. Some teachers have been displaced from their positions in educational institutions due to complaints made by the Awami League government, driving them out. In other cases, teachers have been subjected to harassment orchestrated by certain groups aiming to further their own interests. There have even been instances where students have physically assaulted their teachers. The media and social media in the country are abuzz with varying opinions on these matters. Some argue that, regardless of a teacher's misconduct, they should not be subjected to harsh punishment. Conversely, others contend that some teachers are so indulged in corruption and irregularities that they are beyond redemption. Ultimately, it is important to recognize that these issues cannot be attributed to individuals alone; they reflect broader systemic failures within our educational, political, and cultural environments.

In the past, many teachers were coerced into participating in political activities during previous administrations, compromising their integrity and ability to maintain professional standards. Additionally, a lack of skill and training among teachers has contributed to the production of inadequately prepared students. One teacher even remarked, "Don't push me to the edge; if you raise your finger, I might just walk away." Despite these challenges, there are still examples of profound respect and admiration for dedicated and effective educators.

There is a growing call for change in the country today, with a radical overhaul of the education system on the horizon. It is crucial that the foundational relationship between students and teachers remains strong and respected. To ensure this, a social system must be established that protects teachers from being beholden to any particular political party.

Furthermore, the development of effective teachers is essential. This can be achieved through targeted training programs designed to enhance their skills and competencies. By investing in professional development, we can equip teachers to cultivate a generation of capable and knowledgeable students.