What teachers deserve

People once took teaching not as a job but as passion and that's why they were so honoured in society in the past for their self-less service. Side-effects of such approach include mindset of looking at teaching as a very attractive regular profession for the new generations in Bangladesh. It's the teachers who instilled dreams in millions of youths to liberate the country and establish a democratic, developed country. Unfortunately, they were not recognised - neither monetarily nor otherwise.

Unlike in the South-east Asia where teaching is a highly dignified profession, we've failed to attract talented young people to teaching. In many cases, teachers are even harassed by their hiring authorities at the grass-roots level. Lack of respect for teachers in society has resulted in degradation in values especially deterioration in situations on campuses. Also, there is a section of teachers which, aligned with various quarters for personal gains, has polluted the profession.

In today's crisis of teaching, we have reasons to recall how many teachers of earlier generations made sacrifice to contribute to building a society. It goes without saying that society needs good teachers to build good leaders and citizens. On the World Teachers' Day on October 5, let's resolve that we will show due respect to teachers and recognise their sacrifice. And this cannot be a lip service. Unless teachers are provided with good training, deserving salary and social recognition, the profession would not regain its lost glory.

Naeem Ariyan

Deptt. of English, Chittagong University

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