The British Council hosts safeguarding workshop for the madrasah teachers

The British Council has consistently emphasised that safeguarding is a fundamental aspect of its operations across all projects.

This focus has gained heightened importance due to the increasing number of incidents occurring nationwide, including within educational institutions. Both organisations have agreed to implement a safeguarding learning initiative in collaboration with the Madrasah Teacher Training Institute.

This initiative aims to empower and equip teachers, enhancing their ability to influence society positively, given their strong impact within their institutions and local communities. As planned, the British Council successfully conducted the 'Learning, Sharing, and Safeguarding' workshop on 10 March 2025, at the Bangladesh Madrasah Teachers' Training Institute (BMTTI) in Gazipur. Approximately 80 madrasah teachers from all divisions of Bangladesh attended this half-day event. These teachers will become master English teaching trainers (Teacher Educators) by the end of 2025. This event was part of the ongoing collaboration between the British Council and the Directorate of Madrasah Education (DME), aimed towards enhancing the quality of English education in Madrasahs through comprehensive curriculum development, practical training, safeguarding practices, and continuous professional development.

In February 2024, the British Council and DME signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that signifies a pivotal agreement for a capacity-building program targeting teachers and educators in the Bangladesh Madrasah Teachers' Training Institute (BMTTI) and English teachers in madrasahs across the nation. The 'Learning, Sharing, and Safeguarding' workshop also reviewed the progress of the partnership between the British Council and BMTTI.

Dr K M Kabirul Islam, Secretary, Technical and Madrasah Education Division, was the chief guest at the event. He addressed the participants, saying, 'The British Council and the Government of Bangladesh recognise you as invaluable assets to the country. Your practice and continuous learning are crucial. Implement, implement, and implement what you have learned in your classrooms to prepare for future teacher training. Reflect on your power and influence in empowering other teachers and students across Bangladesh. This impact is beyond monetary value.'

David Knox, Director of Programmes at the British Council, emphasised the initiative's significance, stating, 'We appreciate the Bangladesh Madrasah Teachers' Training Institute (BMTTI) and the Government of Bangladesh for their commitment and collaboration in strengthening the capacity of the vast teaching resources within the madrasah education system. This workshop provided us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on our progress. We look forward to continuing our partnership with DME to enhance the learning environment for students.'

Professor Mahmudul Hoque, Principal of Bangladesh Madrasah Teachers Training Institute (BMTTI), chaired the event and expressed his gratitude, stating, 'I thank the British Council for taking this initiative as one of the few international development organisations to step forward and prioritise teachers' professional development and continuous professional growth. It is the only organisation that has come forward to work with us.'

Among the other guests were Mr. Md. Abdul Mannan, Director General, Directorate of Madrasah Education, Govt of Bangladesh; Aklima Akter Mili, National Safeguarding Manager; Shamresh Saha and Sahelee Naz, English and School Education team, British Council; and senior officials from the DME and BMTTI, who graced the event with their presence.