Three Milestone teachers our pride, role models: Chief adviser

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today said the three teachers who lost their lives after a jet crashed into Milestone School and College will be remembered as a lasting symbol of humanity and bravery.

Family members of the three teachers -- Maherin Chowdhury, Masuka Begum and Mahfuza Khanam -- met the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka this afternoon.

Prof Yunus said even though it has been a while, the memory of the tragedy is still burning in everyone.

"I wanted to meet you as soon as I learned about the incident. But it would not have been appropriate to meet you at a difficult time."

"We can express our condolences to you, but we do not have the power to erase this unbearable memory. However, I can say this grief is not yours alone. As a nation, we bear this grief," he said.

The chief adviser wanted to hear the memories of the three teachers from their families.

Teacher Maherin's husband, Mansur Helal, said some children with minor burns, who were taking treatment, told him that "Miss pulled us out! Miss was healthy! Why did this happen?"

Helal said he asked her wife, "Why didn't you come out? Didn't you even think about your own two children?" "They are also my children. How could I leave them alone?" she replied.

Teacher Mahfuza died on August 14 after being treated at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute for 24 days. Her daughter, Ayesha Siddiqa, broke down in tears while talking about her mother.

She said, "My mother had recovered a lot. I thought I would return home with her. The day I put my mother in a wheelchair, I felt like I had conquered the world."

"I don't have my father, and now my mother is gone too. I became an orphan. I have not been able to return home till now. How will I return home without my mother?" she said.

The chief adviser said, "It is painful to listen to you. At the same time, I feel proud that there are citizens in our country who jumped into the fire to save others."

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid, and Education Adviser CR Abrar, among others, were also present.