‘Spearhead movement against communalism’
Educationists and rights activists at a discussion yesterday urged the government to announce a “decade of education” on the occasion of 100th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman next year.
They recommended introducing a universal education policy by removing contents from textbooks that may taint the spirit of the country’s Liberation War, propagate communalism, gender discrimination or superstition.
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad organised the event, titled “Textbook curriculum based on science and values of non-communalism, gender-sensitivity and humanity in the spirit of Liberation War” at its Anwara Begum-Munira Khan auditorium in Dhaka.
“A widespread cultural movement is needed to eliminate communalism from our textbooks. The government should start it at primary level,” said eminent educationist Syed Manzoorul Islam.
He said a five-year strategic plan for developing primary education should be introduced at the first stage of the decade of education.
Demanding more budgetary allocation for primary education, Prof Manzoorul said salaries of primary school teachers should be higher than that of university teachers.
“Then you will see that university graduates will join there [primary schools], instead of applying for public services. Thus, quality education will be ensured,” he said.
He stressed on the importance of increasing co-curricular activities such as sports, debate, drama, singing among students for development of their mental health.
In his speech, Liberation War Museum trustee Mofidul Hoque said content that may propagate communalism, and go against the country’s constitution and spirit of secularism should be removed.
He demanded trained teachers and playgrounds for every school across the country.
Sohrab Hossain, senior secretary to the education ministry, said the abovementioned issues will be discussed during policymaking process.
Speaking as chief guest, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel stressed on establishing an inclusive education system and empowering women socially and politically.
“At times, you may think the government compromises with communal forces but in future, they will have to come under strict rules and regulations; an inclusive educational system will be established,” he said.
Rekha Chowdhury, acting movement secretary of Mahila Parishad, presented a six-point recommendation to modify controversial content from textbooks.
With Mahila Parishad President Ayesha Khanam in the chair, Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee President Shahriar Kabir, columnist Abul Momen and Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha Executive Director Rokeya Kabir spoke at the discussion.
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