Curse of corporal punishment
Photo: TANVIR AHMED / DRIKNEWS
It is shameful that students are still being exposed to corporal punishment, despite that the government banned this inhuman practice in all the educational institutions almost a year ago. The foremost duty of a teacher is to help the students grow and build them as worthy citizens through imparting proper education and knowledge. If Bangladesh is to move forward, the horrors of corporal punishment must be stopped. As a parent, I have done extensive research on the pros and cons of corporal punishment in schools since Sir Frank Peters first brought it to the attention of the nation last year. Statistics shows that in the American states where corporal punishment (paddling) is allowed, the level of violence at homes and on the streets and crime in general, are far greater. Corporal punishment teaches the children to be violent - a lesson they're likely to put into practice for the rest of their lives. A report was published in an English daily during the time of Eid-ul-Azha in which its writer Sir Frank Peters described Eid-ul-Azha as a spiritual milestone in our lives to lean against, stand still, rest a little, reflect upon our lives, and ask ourselves if we are on the right road and if not, which road we should be on. He requested the teachers to question their consciences and seek alternative means of discipline that's effective and beneficial to children, school and society. Thousands of parents like me hope they've done it.
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