Ebtedayi teachers demand edu adviser’s resignation
Staff Reporter :
The Independent Ebtedayi Madrasa Teachers’ Alliance has demanded the resignation of the Education Adviser, accusing him of “disrespectful behaviour” during a visit to the ministry on Wednesday.
The teachers’ leaders said they went to the Secretariat to submit a memorandum outlining their five-point demand but were denied a meeting with the adviser.
The incident triggered anger among the delegation, who later announced fresh protest programmes in response.
Kazi Mokhlesur Rahman, Chairman of the Alliance, told reporters that when their 15-member delegation reached the Education Adviser’s office, they were not only refused an audience but were treated “without the slightest courtesy”.
“He showed no respect, no response, not even basic manners. His behaviour towards us was humiliating,” Rahman said after meeting officials at the Education Ministry around 2:30 pm.
“Insulting teachers means insulting the entire teaching community of the country. We therefore demand his immediate resignation,” he added.
In protest against the incident, the alliance announced a demonstration in front of the National Press Club at 11 am on Thursday.
Rahman said teachers from across the country would join the rally to condemn the adviser’s behaviour and press for their long-standing demands.
“Despite police restrictions, we will hold a peaceful protest without causing public inconvenience or traffic jams,” he said.
Following the announcement, the teachers vacated the road around 3 pm and continued their sit-in on the pavement near the Press Club.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of Ebtedayi madrasa teachers had gathered near the Press Club and attempted to march towards the Education Ministry to submit their memorandum.
Police stopped them midway between Kadam Fountain and the Press Club, forcing the teachers to sit down on the road, which caused heavy traffic congestion in the area.
Some teachers performed their midday prayers on the street, saying they would not leave until their demands were addressed. Police repeatedly urged them to clear the road, but the protesters refused.
The alliance’s five-point charter includes the immediate implementation of the government’s 28 January announcement to nationalise all independent Ebtedayi madrasas, both funded and non-funded.