Mohammad Jasim Uddin

The proverb that “education is the backbone of a nation” carries an undeniable truth. But as true as it is that teachers are the builders of that very backbone. A teacher does not merely dispense textbook knowledge; he sows seeds of humanity in students’ hearts. He shoulders the solemn responsibility of grooming his students so that they become ideal citizens and future leaders of a country. Children’s families serve as their first schools, while teachers illuminate their minds with institutional knowledge and help them explore their latent potential.

For this reason, a teacher is revered as the conscience and the light-bearer of a society. Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher, once stated: “A teacher should be the source of knowledge and wisdom. He should be an ideal ruler”. This profound statement underscores the social standing and the depth of the teacher's role. They are the individuals who pass on accumulated wisdom and success to the new generation, yet prevent societal prejudice and malice from infiltrating their consciousness. Because of this noble duty, teaching is considered not merely a profession, but a vow or a mission.

In Bengali literature, poet Kazi Kader Newaz immortalised this truth in his poem, Shikkhagurur Morjada (The Dignity of a Teacher). The poem is set during the reign of the Mughal Emperor of Delhi, Alamgir. The Emperor sent his son to be educated by an ordinary Maulvi (Islamic scholar). One day, he witnessed his prince pouring water over the teacher’s feet, while the teacher was cleansing his feet with his own hands. Disturbed by this sight, the Emperor summoned the teacher the following day. The teacher feared he would certainly be punished for the audacity of having the prince attend to his feet. However, instead of rebuking him, the Emperor lamented that his son had not learned enough courtesy towards his elders. The Emperor asserted that the prince should have personally washed the teacher’s feet, not merely poured the water. This incident illustrates the Emperor’s magnanimity and his profound respect for the teacher. Overwhelmed by the Emperor’s conduct, the teacher exclaimed aloud, “From this day forth, the head of the teacher is forever held high”. This poem is not merely a historical anecdote; it is an eternal document of the teacher’s honour and dignity.

But what do we see when we look at our society? The very teachers whose heads are meant to be ‘forever held high’ are being humiliated on the streets today. Recently, we have known how protesting teachers were subjected to the attack of water cannons and sound grenades while demonstrating for their demands. The forceful dispersal of a peaceful assembly in this manner is in no way a reflection of a civilised society that shows reverence to the dignified positions of the teachers. This incident feels like a representation of a dark world, hundreds of miles away from the ideal situation portrayed in Kazi Kader Newaz’s poem.

The teachers’ demands are not utopian fantasies; they are simply a call for the recognition of fundamental rights necessary for sustenance. MPO-listed teachers and employees have long been demanding the nationalisation of the education system. Alongside this, their primary demand is an increase in house rent allowance. While government employees receive 45 to 50 per cent of their basic salary as house rents, MPO-listed teachers receive a token 1000 taka. However, we are pleased that this problem is finally heading towards a better solution now.

In the current economic situation, the cost of living has increased so much. So, these demands are not irrational. If teachers are constantly preoccupied with the trouble of meeting their basic needs, how can they focus on teaching in the classroom? This financial strain and disparity also erode the teacher’s social standing. Consequently, many talented students are disinclined to pursue teaching careers, which in the long run damages the country’s education system. These demands have been ignored for years. Despite various assurances, they have not been fulfilled, leaving the teachers frustrated and resentful.

However, there is another side to the coin. While teachers have the right to protest, they must not forget their responsibility towards their students. Holding students hostage by descending onto the streets is not the way to teach the future generation correct ideals. When teachers declare continuous work abstention, classroom instruction is disrupted, and this impacts students’ academic lives. Such a programme, especially before public examinations, becomes a cause for students’ anxiety. Teachers are the architects of humanity.. Teachers must remember that they are societal role models, and their every action will serve as an example for the future generation. So, their conduct must reflect prudence

Most importantly, a sustainable solution to their problem is necessary. Ensuring the financial security of teachers would allow them to focus more on instruction, which would ultimately contribute to the improvement of the quality of education. A civilised and developed nation can only be built by ensuring the dignity and rights of its teachers.

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The writer is an Associate Professor, Department of English, Northern University Bangladesh.

He can be reached at : [email protected]