Primary teachers’ salaries should equal univ teachers’: Faiz

The salaries of primary school teachers in the country should be equal to those of university teachers, said University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Faiz.

“I believe the salaries of primary school teachers in our country should be on par with those of university teachers so that talented individuals are encouraged to join primary education. Without attracting meritorious people to teaching, we cannot advance the education system, nor can we provide students with education that meets the demands of the times,” he said.

He made these remarks on Sunday (October 5) while speaking as a special guest at a programme organised at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka to mark World Teachers’ Day.

Education Adviser Professor Dr CR Abrar attended the event as the chief guest, while Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar joined as a special guest.

The UGC Chairman said, “Today is World Teachers’ Day. The main issue of today’s discussion is what facilities teachers should be provided with. We need to analyse what kind of salaries and allowances we are offering them, and how that compares globally. We must reflect on this matter with deep attention.”

Professor Faiz further said, “Let’s even set aside global comparisons. Where do our teachers stand among the SAARC countries? Recently, we visited Pakistan. I mention Pakistan because, in many respects, they lag behind us. Yet teachers there earn two to three times more than other professionals. In terms of other facilities as well, what Pakistani teachers receive is quite surprising. Their laboratories and research facilities are also well-developed.”

He added, “There are many countries where primary school teachers receive the same salaries and benefits as university teachers. We should adopt a similar approach so that talented individuals are drawn to teaching at the primary level. If we cannot attract meritorious people into the teaching profession—whether at primary, secondary, higher secondary, or university level—we will not be able to advance our students. Teacher recruitment must be made attractive for the talented.”