Teachers in Bangladesh protested for the nationalization of private primary schools, facing police violence that injured several. The protests highlight government incompetence in handling educational issues, including the disturbing distribution of textbooks. Separate demands from special schools for disabled students have also emerged, emphasizing the critical need for reform in education policy.
On Wednesday, primary school teachers in Bangladesh faced police violence while protesting for the nationalization of private primary schools under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The demonstration, organized by the Bangladesh Non-government Primary Teachers Association, took place near the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka and resulted in injuries to at least six individuals, including two women.
Shahinur Rahman, a protester, reported that the march aimed to reach the Chief Advisor’s residence but was met with disproportionate force from the police, including water cannons and batons. The teachers have advocated for their demands, citing the lack of government action and the need to nationalize private primary schools to ensure equity in education.
General Secretary of the association, Firoz Uddin, indicated that approximately 800,000 students are deprived of their rights due to ongoing political vendettas and bureaucratic challenges that prevent the nationalization of private schools.
Additionally, in a related event, police intervened in a separate protest by teachers from special schools for disabled students near the National Press Club. Their demands included recognition and financial support for special education institutions, enhanced infrastructure, and educational resources, as well as employment opportunities for students within vocational training programs.
The protests signify growing dissatisfaction with the interim government’s educational policies, including the recent failure to distribute textbooks to millions of students across the nation, spotlighting its alleged incompetence.
The protests led by primary school teachers in Bangladesh reveal a significant unrest regarding the government’s education policies, notably the demand for the nationalization of private primary schools. The associated violence by police reflects the government’s failure to adequately address these legitimate concerns. Similarly, the issues raised by teachers of special schools further illustrate the broader challenges within the education system, underscoring the need for substantial reforms and dedicated attention to educational rights.
Original Source: www.thehansindia.com
