Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan today said the government would not compromise on ensuring welfare and facilities for teachers despite the country’s limited resources.

“The government will consider the welfare and legitimate demands of teachers with due importance. At the same time, their professional freedom and dignity must also be given importance,” he said.

The minister made the remarks at a discussion organised at Palash Upazila Multipurpose Auditorium in Narsingdi on the occasion of National Teachers’ Day 2026, according to an official handout.

On teachers’ demand for nationalisation of their jobs, Moyeen said the move would make them government employees and introduce issues such as transfers and administrative responsibilities into their profession.

He urged teachers to consider the long-term implications before pursuing the demand.

The minister also highlighted the gradual increase in government support for teachers’ salaries and allowances since independence.

He said most secondary schools were privately managed after independence with support from individuals and philanthropic organisations. In 1980, then president Ziaur Rahman decided to provide government assistance equivalent to 50% of the salaries of teachers at private schools, he said.

In 1991, the government formed an Education Commission following teachers’ demands for higher salaries and allowances. Based on its recommendations, government support for teachers’ salaries was increased further, Moyeen said.

In 2001, the government began bearing 100% of the salaries of teachers at private schools, bringing a large number of private secondary school teachers under government assistance, he added.

Speaking about female education, the minister said free education for girls was initially introduced up to Class VIII and later extended to Class X during Khaleda Zia’s tenure as prime minister.

He said increased participation of girls in education and the growing presence of female teachers and students were among the outcomes of the policy.

Moyeen said teachers carry a greater responsibility than ordinary government officials as they help shape the country’s younger generation.

He urged teachers to uphold their professional freedom and dignity while fulfilling their responsibilities towards nation-building.

Palash Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ishtiaq Ahmed chaired the programme, while Khan Foundation and Millennium University Chairperson Roksana Khandaker attended as the special guest.