Giving teachers their due

Teaching is the most respected profession in Bangladesh. Yet, ironically, it is also one of the most poorly-paid jobs here. In Bangladesh, the working condition in most educational institutions is not rewarding for teachers. Consequently, teachers need to engage in other professions like private tutoring, coaching, etc. to make ends meet. The budget allocated for teachers' salary shows a poor investment in this sector. Also, teachers are no longer respected much in our society.

In China, an experienced teacher is given the same status that a government official gets. In South Korea, Taiwan or Malaysia, the social status of teachers is very high. Teachers are given ministerial status in Sri Lanka. In India, teachers are given higher individual pay scale. But in Bangladesh, we see our teachers struggling every month to get their due pay. Oftentimes, they have to take to the streets so that they can get their due rights and facilities. We need to improve the working conditions of teachers. Not only should their salaries be set at a much higher scale but there should also be standardisatio of the pay and allowances for both the private and public sector teachers. One of the biggest challenges for Bangladesh is the lack of good teachers. But we can attract competent people if we pay them well. We need to introduce a performance benefit system which will reward those who deserve it.

Ashikujaman Syed,

Foreign Service Officer,

Anhui Haikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd,

Anqing, China,

syedashikujaman@yahoo.com