Arrest, detention of schoolteacher in jail is unfortunate: Dipu Moni

Education Minister Dipu Moni has promised to look into the case of Hriday Chandra Mondal, a schoolteacher who was arrested in Munshiganj on charges of 'hurting religious sentiment' after he discussed the distinction between religion and science in the classroom, reports bdnews24.com.
"What has been done to a teacher on the pretext of hurting religious sentiment is unfortunate," she told the media after attending a Bangladesh Scouts Day event at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka on Saturday.
"We are looking into the situation at our end," the minister said.
In response to a question about what steps the ministry was taking to secure Mondal's release, Dipu Moni assured that her ministry was taking all the steps it could. "In order to progress, we need to preserve religious harmony, but also protect our teachers."
"We must advance in science and technology and ensure the dignity and safety of its teachers," the minister added.
The social and financial security of teachers must also be looked after, she said.
Efforts must also be made to limit harassment, the minister said. Allegations may be brought and they should be investigated in due course, but "we should ensure that no one becomes the victim of harassment".
"Religion is a personal matter," Dipu Moni said. "I will practise my religion according to my beliefs. Everyone can do so according to their own beliefs. That is their right."