National award to be introduced honouring brave Milestone teacher Maherin

The government has decided to introduce a national award named after courageous teacher Maherin Chowdhury, who sacrificed her life to save her students during the recent tragic military aircraft crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Advisers at the Secretariat with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair today (7 August), said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

"During the meeting, a discussion was held over the Milestone tragedy. We discussed ways to specially honour those who lost their lives — particularly two teachers and a maid. A final decision will be made soon."

Highlighting Maherin's heroism, Shafiqul said, "She showed remarkable bravery and courage in rescuing her students. She gave her life to save her students. To recognise her sacrifice, the Ministry of Education will soon announce a national award named the 'Maherin Chowdhury Award' for her outstanding services, which will be given exclusively to teachers."

The death toll from the tragic military aircraft crash into Milestone School and College in Uttara climbed to 34 with the death of a 14-year-old boy at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery on Monday.

Teacher Mahreen was among the dead.