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Bangladesh Institutionalizes the Celebration of World Teachers' Day with a Vision for Educational Excellence
The Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has recognised World Teachers’ Day as a national agenda and approved it as a category B (The category for international days) event in September 2023. Bangladesh will celebrate ‘World Teachers’ Day’ on 5 October every year. This institutional arrangement transpired through the development of a roadmap in 2022 by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), Ministry of Education as part of the first-ever celebration of Teachers Day in 2022. UNESCO provided technical and financial support to the DSHE and Ministry of Education for the 2022 celebration and roadmap development.
With full ownership of the Education Ministries, the WTD 2023 was celebrated on 5 October at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium with the theme ‘The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.
His Excellency President Mohammed Shahabuddin attended as the chief guest at the central ceremony. Dr. Dipu Moni, the Minister of Education, presided over the gathering. Special guests were Primary and Mass Education Minister of State, Md Zakir Hossain and Deputy Minister for Education, Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury. The welcome speech at the event was delivered by Suleman Khan, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division (SHED) of the Ministry of Education. Dr. Susan Vize, Officer in Charge, UNESCO Dhaka Office, also participated in the national level ceremony as a Guest of Honour.
The State Minister of Primary and Mass Education asserted, “The government has taken many initiatives to develop teachers' professional skills with quality and this year the parliament approved the Teacher Welfare Trust. To reduce teacher shortages in primary education about 37,574 teachers were recruited this year which is ever highest recruitment number after the independence of Bangladesh”.
The Deputy Minister of Education stated, “Our government is more concerned about improving teachers' daily lives including their status. Teachers are the fundamental architects of society”. He continued, “We want to build a developed and prosperous Smart Bangladesh by 2041, and for which we need a skilled workforce. In the coming days the government will design a mega project for raising the quality of teachers.”
The President acknowledged in his remarks that he was pleased to learn that Bangladesh is celebrating World Teachers' Day declared by UNESCO nationwide. The president urged all educators and parents to work hard to demonstrate to children how to develop their talents.
The Minister of Education stated, “World Teachers' Day is observed worldwide on 5th October, and this is the second time we are celebrating WTD in Bangladesh with full engagement of teachers”. According to her this is one of the platforms to show our respect and gratitude to the honourable teachers and give awards to teachers for their noteworthy contributions. She also said that this kind of initiative will also attract younger generations to join the teaching profession as the government is working to strengthen the teaching profession including elevating the status of teachers
The OIC of UNESCO Dhaka stated, “An Investment in teachers is an investment in the nation. The only way to have an educated, healthy, and engaged population is to have skilled and committed teachers who can provide quality education to every young Bangladeshi.”
The Assistant Headmaster of Shantipur High School in Khilgaon, Pollob Kumar Voumik, stated, “Today is World Teachers’ Day which is a very respectful and joyful day to us. It reminds us of our roles and responsibilities towards building the future generation and how we are creating space in them."
A Senior Teacher of Government Laboratory High School, Ismot Ara Momotaz said, " Teaching is not just a profession for us, we have taken it as a vow. That is why, we have embarked on a relentless journey for professional development. Our only expectation is to get proper dignity and honour. "
A documentary on Teacher's Day was screened on the program where the advancement of the educational curriculum was portrayed. Moreover, on this occasion, seven outstanding teachers received awards in recognition of their exemplary contributions.
About 1000 teachers from schools (general, madrasah), colleges, and universities, government high officials, dignitaries from the UN, development partners, and media were present at the national-level celebration. A variety of celebrations were organised at the sub-national levels.
