Govt won't compromise on teachers' benefits despite limited resources: Moyeen

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan on Tuesday said the government would not compromise in ensuring facilities and welfare for teachers despite the country's limited resources.

"The government will consider the welfare and legitimate demands of teachers with due importance. Simultaneously, their professional freedom and dignity must also be given importance," he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a discussion organised at Palash Upazila Multipurpose Auditorium in Narsingdi on the occasion of National Teachers' Day 2026, said a press release.

Regarding teachers' demand for nationalisation of their jobs, Moyeen said nationalisation would turn teachers into government employees and bring various issues, including transfers and administrative responsibilities, into their profession.

He urged teachers to consider the long-term implications of such a move before pursuing the demand.

Highlighting the history of increasing salaries and benefits of the teachers, the minister said most secondary schools in Bangladesh were privately managed after independence with support from individuals and philanthropic members of society.

He said, later, government assistance for teachers' salaries and allowances was gradually increased. In 1980, former president Ziaur Rahman decided to provide government assistance equivalent to 50% of the salaries of teachers of private schools, he added.

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Later, in 1991, the government of then prime minister Khaleda Zia formed an Education Commission in response to teachers' demands for increased salaries and allowances, Moyeen said, adding, based on recommendations of the commission, government salary support for teachers was further increased.

He said, in 2001, arrangements were made for the government to bear 100% of the salaries of teachers of private schools, bringing a large number of private secondary school teachers under government assistance.

Highlighting the importance of female education, the minister said free education for girls was introduced initially up to Class VIII and later up to Class X during Khaleda Zia's tenure as prime minister around 35 years ago.

He said the increased participation of girls in educational institutions and the significant presence of female teachers and students now are among the outcomes of that policy.

Addressing teachers, Moyeen said a teacher's responsibility is more important than that of an ordinary government official as teachers shape the country's young generation.

He urged teachers to realise the importance of their professional freedom, dignity and responsibilities and play their role in nation-building.

Palash Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ishtiaq Ahmed chaired the programme while Khan Foundation and Millennium University Chairperson Roksana Khandaker attended the event as the special guest.