Teaching is the noblest of all professions, as teachers are the ones who help develop mind and character of students and thus help in building a nation, said eminent personalities at a programme yesterday.

Ethics Club Bangladesh organised the progamme titled "Adarsha Sikkhok Sammanana-2019" at a auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum, honouring six teachers for helping create a better country through their teachings.

National Professor Rafiqul Islam, National Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam, Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, Prof MM Akash and Khorshed Alam, a former head teacher of a high school from Feni, were recognised for their work at the ceremony.

However, Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury and Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal could not attend the programme.

Prof Rafiqul Islam said, "My teaching profession exceeded the timeline of six decades. Teaching is not just my profession, it is my passion too. Without the teaching profession, I don't have any life."

"I feel fortunate enough that I have a long teaching career, and have been able to teach at different educational institutions in the country and abroad as well. I do believe, teaching is the noblest of all professions," he added.

Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam, said, "I have been teaching for a long time, and I enjoy it because I get to associate with 18-20-year old youths on a daily basis. This is my family. They are the ones who help me stay on my track. I consider this profession a very important one." 

"I believe primary teachers are the ones who actually shape students. We (university teachers) just give students a finishing touch, but primary teachers actually play a major role in instilling the morale of the students," he added. 

Prof MM Akash said, "Educators must be qualified first, so that they can produce educated students; or else lesser-educated students will take the place of teachers in future."

"Therefore, fair appointment of teachers should be ensured, so that no nepotism can take place during appointment at educational institutions," added Akash.  

Speaking as a chief guest, Education Minister Dipu Moni, said, "Achieving success will mean nothing, if  one doesn't value humanity and ethnics."

In response to the observation of Prof MM Akash, the education minster said the government is recruiting teachers without nepotism, and ensuring proper training for teachers to provide quality education for students.

Khorshed Alam thanked all for the honour.

Ethics Club Bangladesh founder and President ME Chowdhury Shamim urged the education minister to observe Ethics day across the country.