Underpaid, yet striving for the love of education

As hundreds of countries observe the World Teachers' Day on October 5, many teachers of different educational institutions of Bangladesh still live in miserable conditions.

Teachers and employees of Ghagra College in Kaukhali upazila, Rangamati have not been getting their salaries for almost 19 years, as the institution is yet to be enlisted in the government's monthly payment order (MPO).

As a result, 15 teachers and 10 employees of the college – along with their families – have been going through serious hardship.

Established in 2001, the school got academic recognition in the year 2005. Principal of the college, Shyamal Mitra Chakma, said, "I am going to retire soon, but we are yet to get MPO facilities. I will retire in 2022 on completion of my 19 years in service. Now, I teach at the college with around 500 students.

"As so much time has passed, we still hope that the school will come under the government's nationalisation scheme. If the prime minister's announcement came in this regard, students from the remote areas would be able to continue their studies," he said.

Karma Sen Chakma, lecturer of Civics subject of the college, said, "I have been serving here without any salary since 2001. Sometimes, I get frustrated."  

Shilpi Chakma, lecturer of Bangla department said, "All the teachers of the institution have been living a miserable life as they do not enjoy MPO facilities. The result of our profession is zero. Enjoying the MPO facilities before retirement is our only demand."

Most of the teachers of the college will retire soon, time but are yet to get the MPO facilities, the principal said.

Meanwhile, a teacher of Mymensingh's Vidyamoyee Government Girls High School, Nasima Akhtar, has earned the love and respect of many people.

She has been given the "Best Teacher" award in 2017 and 2018 for her contribution to education. She joined as the headmistress of the school in 2015.  

"I have so many children. During my long career in teaching, I have thought of all the students as my own children," Nasima said.

Nasima, who was born in Matikhola village under Jamalpur Sadar upazila, is bearing the education expenses of eight students from her own salary.

She also supporting to three other students to continue their studies. She started her career as a teacher at Jamalpur Government Girls School in 1997.

"Hundreds of children called me 'ma' [mother], which is my greatest achievement."