On his last day as education adviser yesterday, Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud said he believed private institution teachers' demand for a pay rise is fair but the issue cannot be settled with just one or two years' budgets.

"It is very difficult to make people understand this…. However, the process must begin, and [the authorities] are taking that first step," the adviser said.

He said that private institution teachers under the government's Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme would see increases in their allowances for festivals, entertainment, house rent, and medical, starting from this year's Eid-ul-Azha and in the next budget.

"I am not making any announcements regarding the exact amount of the increase. However, I know that the current budget will cover parts of it, and next year's budget will provide further provisions," he added.

Prof Wahiduddin said that a portion of the funds for the retirement and welfare benefits of MPO-listed private institution teachers is being established this year.

"Some of it has already been set up, and more will be allocated in the next budget. However, making the entire fund sustainable will not be possible within one or two budgets. Hopefully, it will be resolved within three to four budget cycles in the future," he said.

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Expedite textbook delivery

He also recommended a forward-thinking commission to address the longstanding issues plaguing the education sector.

Speaking at the Secretariat, he questioned the effectiveness of past education commissions. The formation of five to six education commissions failed to solve the problems, he said.

"Can we solve problems just by forming a commission with a few people? It takes time to understand the issues at hand. We need a commission that thinks ahead," he said.

Prof Wahiduddin also stressed the need for trained teachers to implement reformed curriculum effectively. "Without proper training, the reforms will be ineffective. It takes time for an education system to deteriorate, and right now, our education system is chaotic and disorganised," he said, reports UNB.

Regarding delays in textbook distribution, he said all students would receive their textbooks by March 10. "While the new books were supposed to be delivered by February, many students are still waiting. However, the issue will be resolved by the new deadline," he said.

Addressing concerns over recent unrests in public and private educational institutions, he said while the situation had not fully returned to normal, it had improved to some extent.

Prof Wahiduddin was appointed as an adviser on August 16 last year. He was given the charge of both the education ministry and the planning ministry.

Newly appointed Education Adviser Prof CR Abrar took oath of office yesterday.

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When will textbook distribution be complete?

Earlier, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Prof Wahiduddin had expressed concerns about handling two ministries simultaneously. Given Prof Wahiduddin's responsibilities at the planning ministry and his advanced age, CR Abrar was appointed to the advisory council.