No protests needed for teachers' legitimate demands: Minister Milon

Teachers will no longer need to take to the streets to realise their legitimate demands, as the government is giving the highest priority to the education sector and will implement justified claims of teachers and employees in phases, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said today (22 February).

"As many issues could not be incorporated into the new budget, it is not possible to implement all demands immediately. However, the government is sincere in this regard," he made the remarks while speaking at a views-exchange meeting with the Teachers-Employees Unity Council at the Ministry of Education, adding that although there are certain budgetary constraints, other demands of teachers will be placed before the prime minister.

Referring to allegations raised against officials and employees of the ministry, Milon said the complaints would be reviewed and resolved gradually.

"Discussions are also underway regarding school management committees and governing bodies. The issue of not allowing one individual to hold responsibilities in multiple institutions will be considered at the managing committee level," the minister said.

On the Non-Government Teachers' Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA), Milon said recent changes in the recruitment system would be reviewed and necessary decisions taken accordingly.

"We will assess where corrections are needed. The government is firm in its position – we neither engage in corruption nor allow it. Transparency and accountability will be ensured in the education sector," he said.

The minister also said meetings would soon be held to decide on financial matters, including retirement benefits and welfare trust issues. "Education is receiving the highest importance at the policy-making level of the current government. Education-related issues also received priority at the recent cabinet meeting."

State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj said the written demands submitted by teachers have been taken seriously. "Among the various demands, standing issues have been identified and initiatives taken for resolution," he said.

"We do not want to take abrupt decisions. We seek long-term solutions through consultation so that teachers do not have to return to agitation over the same demands five or seven years later," he added.

Highlighting teachers' dignity, Bobby said proper evaluation of their responsibilities in classrooms would be ensured, and the government is aware of the expectations of the teaching community.

Chairman of the Teachers-Employees Unity Council and Cumilla-2 MP Selim Bhuiyan, along with other teacher leaders, were present at the meeting.