Why are CCTV cameras needed in classrooms?

A newspaper report recently stated that the government has initiated a move to install CCTV cameras in every classroom of schools and colleges across the country to ensure proper monitoring of educational institutions.

It is expected that this measure will lead to a reduction in incidents of child abuse in the educational institutions.

Meanwhile, a study published by the Bangladesh University of Health Sciences reveals that 56 percent of children fall victim to physical abuse in educational institutions.

This measure would make it possible to monitor whether lessons are being conducted properly in the classroom. The study mentioned that the primary reason for the decline in the quality of education is the failure to teach effectively in the classroom.

Students are being deprived of acquiring fundamental knowledge due to the lack of vibrant classrooms. It is alleged that this is being done deliberately to compel students to resort to private tutoring or coaching centres.

This practice is part of the commercialisation of education and reflects the appalling lack of ethics among a certain class of teachers, a trend that hinders the development of the country.

Thus, once teachers realise that their every move is under surveillance, they will not dare to neglect their classroom responsibilities.

In light of the above, this news is promising. Installing CCTV cameras in every classroom across all schools and colleges would be a groundbreaking and far-sighted move.

Regrettably, it is a fact that a certain segment of teachers in our country neglects the sacred duty of classroom instruction.

To label this merely as shirking one’s duties would be incorrect; it is, in essence, a form of organised unethical syndicated crime.

Many developed and developing countries around the world have successfully implemented CCTV technology to ensure the security and accountability of educational institutions.

For instance, CCTV cameras are used in approximately 91 percent of public schools in the United States.

In many schools across the United Kingdom, China, Singapore, and South Africa, classrooms and corridors are covered by CCTV surveillance.

Heads of educational institutions, school and college managing bodies must be held strictly accountable.

It is often alleged that heads of educational institutions are unable to take action against teachers due to internal politics and corruption within the managing committees.

Education is not a commercial enterprise; it is the backbone of a nation.

It is by no means desirable for our children to become averse to education, or for students and parents to face undue pressure, as victims of the greed and negligence of a certain class of unethical teachers.

Therefore, we welcome the government’s decision to install CCTV cameras.