Primary teachers' pay equals computer operators', college professors below joint secretaries: Adviser
Primary and Mass Education Adviser Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar has said that the salary grade of primary school assistant teachers is equivalent to that of computer operators, while government college professors receive a lower scale than joint secretaries, stressing the need to improve teachers' salary structure.
He made the remarks while speaking as a special guest at an event organised by the Ministry of Education to mark World Teachers' Day at the Osmani Memorial Hall in Dhaka today (5 October), reports Prothom Alo.
The adviser said, "Among government teachers, the lowest are our primary school assistant teachers. What grade salary do they receive? Thirteenth grade…the same as a computer operator. The accountant at the upazila headquarters, where the teacher collects his salary, is in the twelfth grade. He is in a position to be called 'Sir'."
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Commenting on teachers at other levels, Bidhan Ranjan said, "What is the scale of a government college professor? Fourth grade — below that of a joint secretary. This is the status we are giving to teachers. If teachers are truly to be given status, mere words will not be enough."
He also underlined the need to improve both the salary structure and social recognition of teachers to uphold their dignity.
At the event, 12 distinguished teachers from primary to university level were honoured.
Education Adviser Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar attended as the chief guest, while Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Rehana Parvin presided over the programme.
Others who spoke included University Grants Commission Chairman Professor SMA Faiz, Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Secretary General Salim M Al Malik, UNESCO Dhaka Office Chief Susan Vize, and Technical and Madrasah Education Division Secretary Muhammad Rafiqul Islam.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Golam Mostafa, a retired teacher from the Bengali Department of Chittagong University.
World Teachers' Day is being observed globally to honour teachers as the architects of human development.
In Bangladesh, the day comes at a time when teachers at various levels are engaged in movements demanding improved financial benefits and status.
