The government will observe World Teachers’ Day on Monday, honouring 101 distinguished teachers from primary schools to universities for their outstanding contributions to nation-building.
This year’s theme is “Standing with Teachers: Protecting the Profession, Enhancing Its Dignity and Shaping Our Future.” UNESCO has chosen the theme to mark the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the status of Teachers.
According to a decision by the national steering committee, each honouree will receive Tk2 lakh in cash, a special crest and a certificate of appreciation. The committee may increase or reduce the number of awards if necessary.
The 101 awards will be presented in nine categories: 10 at the primary level, 20 at the secondary level, 25 at the college level, 20 at general universities, 10 at medical education institutions, three at agricultural universities, three at engineering universities, four at science, technology and other specialised universities, and six to teachers selected directly by the prime minister.
Of the 10 primary-level awards, eight will go to teachers of general primary schools and two to madrasa teachers. At the secondary level, 10 awards will go to general schools, five to technical institutions and five to madrasas.
At the college level, 15 awards will be given to general colleges, five to technical institutions and five to madrasas.
Of the 20 awards for general universities, 18 are reserved for public universities and two for private universities. Among medical education institutions, five awards each will go to medical colleges and medical universities.
To ensure a transparent selection process, search committees and panels will be formed. At the school, college and madrasa levels, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, Directorate of Primary Education, Directorate of Madrasa Education and Directorate of Technical Education will form separate search committees.
Each committee will recommend a panel of three candidates for each award to the national steering committee.
At the university level, search committees formed by the University Grants Commission will also prepare three-member panels for each award.
World Teachers’ Day is observed every year on October 5 in line with a theme set by UNESCO. The day aims to raise public awareness of teachers’ contributions to nation-building and promote the dignity of the teaching profession by recognising outstanding educators.
National, district and upazila-level committees will organise programmes in their respective areas, while educational institutions across the country will also hold various programmes to mark the day.
