Govt wants to release teachers’ welfare fund, retirement benefits immediately: Education Adviser

The government wants to release teachers’ welfare funds and retirement benefits without delay, said Chowdhury Rafiqul (C R) Abrar, education adviser to the interim government.

He made the remarks at 10:45am on November 29, Saturday, while addressing a seminar titled “Teachers’ role in improving quality in education management” at the Faridpur Sadar upazila auditorium. Teachers from various levels in greater Faridpur — including Madaripur, Rajbari, Shariatpur, Gopalganj and Faridpur — along with education officials attended the event. It was organised by the Faridpur Sahitya Parishad.

The education adviser said, “There is no justification for bringing political contamination into educational institutions. These must remain free from politics — and teachers have a vital role in ensuring that.”

He added, “Although the country’s economy began its journey in a fragile state, the government is making its utmost effort in the education sector.”

Speaking about the teachers’ welfare fund and retirement benefits, he said, “These are the rightful dues of teachers. We want to provide them immediately. In the past, these activities were carried out arbitrarily, which is why the funds cannot be disbursed on time now. The bank where the money was kept no longer has the required funds, so we are having to work under difficult circumstances.”

The seminar was presided over by Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Md Kamrul Hasan Molla. Speakers included Fakir Moinuddin, director of Maushi Dhaka region; Fakir Mohammad B M Abdul Hannan, director of Maushi; ABM Sattar, former chairman of Jessore Education Board; Professor Rizvi Zaman; and Professor Kakoli Mukhopadhyay, among others.

The welcome address was delivered by Mofiz Imam Milon, general secretary of Faridpur Sahitya Parishad, while the keynote paper was presented by Mridha Rezaul.