3 Milestone teachers our pride, role models: CA

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said today (19 August) the three teachers who died in a plane crash into Milestone School and College will be remembered forever by the nation as a unique example of humanity and bravery.

Family members of Maherin Chowdhury, Masuka Begum and Mahfuza Khanam met the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna this afternoon.

Teacher Maherin Chowdhury's husband Mansur Helal, two sons Adil Rashid and Ayan Rashid, sister Mehtaz Chowdhury, brother Munaf Mujib Chowdhury and close relative Kawsar Hossain Chowdhury; teacher Masuka Begum's sister Papri Rahman and brother-in-law Khalilur Rahman and teacher Mahfuza Khatun's daughter Ayesha Siddiqa, sister Murshida Khatun, nephew Md Maidul Islam and close relative Humayun Kabir were present on the occasion. 

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said even though it has been a while, the memory of the accident is still burning in everyone. 

"I wanted to meet you as soon as I learned about the incident. But it would have not been appropriate to meet you at a hard time. 

"We can express our condolences to you, but we do not have the power to erase this unbearable memory. However, I can say this grief is not yours alone. As a nation, we bear this grief," he said. 

The Chief Adviser wanted to hear the memories of the three teachers from their families.

Teacher Maherin Chowdhury's husband, Mansur Helal said when Maherin was being taken to hospital, he spoke to her over phone. 

"The scene I saw at the Burn Institute on that day is beyond my words. I wish no one would experience that in their lives. I saw her, one side was completely burned," he said. 

He said some children with minor burns, who were taking treatment, told him that "Miss pulled us out! Miss was healthy! Why did this happen!" 

Helal said he asked her wife "why didn't you come out? Didn't you even think about your own two children?" "They are also my children. How could I leave them alone?" she replied to him.

Helal said all the people are praying for her, regardless of religion or caste, as she was a dedicated soul to everyone.

Teacher Mahfuza Khatun died on August 14 after being treated at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute for 24 days. Her daughter Ayesha Siddiqa broke down in tears while talking about her mother.

She said, "My mother has recovered a lot. I thought I would return home with her. The day I put my mother in a wheelchair, I felt like I had conquered the world."

"Every day without my mother feels like a dream. I don't have my father, and now my mother has gone too. I became an orphan. I have not been able to return to my home till now. How will I return home without my mother?" she questioned.

Teacher Masuka Begum's brother-in-law Khalilur Rahman said her sister has been ill for many days after being injured in an accident and her eyesight is a little poor. 

He said Masuka always kept in touch with her father and sister and tried to give the best for their treatment. 

Masuka would regularly send her father pocket money and she considered his sons and daughters as her own children, Rahman said. "She would talk to them every day. We and her school were her life," he said. 

The Chief Adviser said, "It is painful to listen to you. At the same time, I feel proud that there are citizens in our country who have jumped into the fire to save the lives of others. They have proven this example of humanity."

"We were minor humans, they made us great. It has shaken everyone. Everyone has felt it within themselves."

 "If I were in that position, what would I do? Would I sacrifice myself to save the lives of small children like them, without caring for my life?" This question has come to everyone's mind," Prof Yunus said. 

Noting that the teachers are their pride and role models, he said "We have to bear their memory. Whatever needs to be done, we will do so."

Environment Adviser Sayeda Rizwana Hasan, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid, Road Transport and Bridges and Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Education Adviser CR Abrar, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Principal Coordinator for SDGs Lamiya Morshed were also present, among others.