Teachers demand recognition of special needs schools

To attract the attention of the government, teachers of special needs schools in Dhaka staged a protest at the Jatiya Press Club on Wednesday. 

Among the demands was academic recognition of special needs schools by December this year.

“Our five-point demand includes academic recognition of special needs schools by December this year. We have submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office in this regard,” said Nasir Uddin Rasel, president of the Bangladesh Protibondi Biddaloysomuher Sangathan (BPBS).

Other demands are monthly payment orders (MPOs) to schools with at least 75 disabled students. 

"There are some 1,525 special needs schools, which applied online for recognition. 

“We want them to be given recognition and MPO by December this year. We also want free meals for disabled students," said a protester.

The teachers also demanded an academic building with modern facilities at every school for the disabled.

"Disability education, therapies, and life skill activities have been going on for the past eight to 10 years through schools and rehabilitation centres for students with special needs across the country. 

“These institutions continue to provide training and rehabilitate people with disabilities," BPBS President Rasel said.

“Despite doing so much for the society, around 60,000 teachers and staff of 1,525 special needs schools are poorly paid. We demand immediate academic recognition for these schools and release of MPO by December," he added.