'Give first class status to asst teachers'

30 April 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

Leaders of Bangladesh Government Secondary Assistant Teachers' Association have made a five-point demand, including ensuring first class status for them. They placed the demands at the national council of the association at Institute of Diploma Engineers in the city yesterday. Other demands of the association include formation of a separate directorate for secondary level, appointment of thana education officers and district education officers from teachers through promotion and transfers them from one school to another after every three years as per the law. Addressing the council, Rashed Khan Menon, chairman of parliamentary standing committee on education ministry, said his committee has already sent a proposal to the education ministry recommending fulfilment of the demands. The proposal may be laid before the parliament it its next session, he added. Menon said the government plans to introduce a separate pay scale for teachers to help them get rid of their financial woes and to encourage them to impart quality education. About the proposed education policy, he said the policy has been drafted with a view to strengthening the movement for establishing a non-communal democracy. He also sought cooperation from all quarters, especially from teachers, to implement the policy. Speaking as the special guest, noted writer Dr Zafar Iqbal stressed the need for establishing teaching as the most dignified profession in the country.