Desk Report,
Primary education is not a business—it is the foundation of nation building
Every child in a government primary school has a dream in their eyes—of the possibility of a future, of changing their own and their family’s fate. But this dream path is not easy. They come to school every day with hungry stomachs, family tensions, and a discriminatory reality.
Primary education is not a business—it is the foundation of nation building
Recently, a groundbreaking decision was made—from now on, only students from government primary schools will be able to participate in the scholarship exam. This is not just an administrative order, but a justice.
For many years, it has been seen that many students, even though they are nominally enrolled in government schools, have been studying in private or KG schools all year round. When the scholarship exam comes, they only take advantage of the government identity. In this, children from real government schools are repeatedly deprived. It was the demand of the time that this unethical practice should be stopped. Today’s primary school teachers are modern, humane, and aware. Many of them have master’s degrees, are trained, and are skilled in technology-based teaching. But sadly, the opportunities they receive are discriminatory compared to other government jobs.
Economic constraints also affect their performance. Limited salaries, lack of professional recognition and the pressure of life prevent many teachers from giving maximum attention to teaching. Yet they are the craftsmen of nation building. Therefore, the dignity, fair opportunities and training of teachers must be ensured.
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The reality of students—
Most of the students of government primary schools come from disadvantaged families—
Those who do not have enough food at home
There is no peaceful environment to study
Education is not important in the family
Yet they come to school every day; because, they know—education is their only way to freedom.
If you want to compare, then do it—
Who can eat on a full stomach, and who goes on an empty stomach
Whose basic rights are fulfilled, and who is deprived from the beginning
For whom education is a stepping stone to the future, and for whom it is a luxury
We have forgotten some valuable things
Once upon a time, there were not so many schools in the country, there was no competition for memorization. But there was quality teaching, moral education and human values. Today, private schools everywhere have made education a commercial product in many cases.
It is necessary to give importance to three things—
Nutritious food, clothing, textbooks, technology and a safe environment for government school students
Respectable salary, training, professional security and social status for teachers
Establishing education as a human right, not just in terms of results
This decision is not just about scholarships—it is a message that both government school students and teachers deserve dignity.
I believe that these children of ours will one day become lights. They will make their place in the society—through honesty, talent and hard work.
Because, education is not a product—it is part of human rights. And we—the teachers of government schools—are the guardians of this right.
Author: Md. Jahangir Alam, Assistant Teacher, Konda Government Primary School, Upazila Savar, Dhaka
