They launched a movement styled Shikkha Bachao Andolon (movement to save education) at the five-hour session, addressed by educationists, officials, lawyers, journalists, NGO leaders and civil society members.

All were one in raising their voice for good education and moral teaching that will enlighten students and broaden their outlook to remove ills from the society.

In a rare soul-searching, they were also critical of the role of a section of teachers who come to the profession with a "commercial attitude". Private coaching must be done away with, they said. But for that they should be paid adequately to lead a decent and honest life.

The aim of the Shikkha Bachao Andolon is to create awareness among all, teachers in particular, about the need for "good education and moral teaching" to students to help them become "good professionals and good citizens".

Headed by Prof Abdul Hamid, the Andolon comprise 17 members.

To start with, they will visit schools and colleges and have group discussions with teachers and authorities to create awareness.

The committee will sit soon to chalk out its future programme and prepare suggestions, also to be given to the government.

The session, held at the Satkhira Sadar Upazila auditorium on Thursday, was inaugurated by UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer) AKM Ali Azam with Principal Asit Kumar Majumdar in the chair.

Sheikh Amanullah, chairman of Bangladesh Sikkhak Samity Federation, was the chief guest. Prof Abdul Hamid presented the keynote paper.

In his paper, Prof Abdul Hamid said the present education system produces job-seekers, not job-creators. On the other hand, students with brilliant academic results later turn corrupt in professional life.

This is because they do not get any moral teaching, he said. They are not taught that they have to do something good for the society and the country, he said. "Our education system is responsible for these", he said.

Echoing his sentiment, Sheikh Amannullah said a social movement has to be launched alongside change in education system. The civil society should come forward with a comprehensive plan in this regard, he said.

Former director of Atomic Energy Commission Dr Motiar Rahman, Prof Kazi Wali Ullah, Principal Sheikh Abdul Wadood and Principal Abdul Latif also spoke. The 17-member committee includes Prof. Krishnapada Sarker and Prof Abu Ahmed of City College, Principal Yunus Ali of Pallimongol School and College, Prof. Pabitra Mohan Das, Ashraf Ali Siddique, headmaster of Dhulihar High School, retired principals Ashit Kumar Majumder and Sheikh Abdul Wadud and Saider Rahman, president of Swadesh, a local NGO.