BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the party stands firmly behind the legitimate demands of teachers but cautioned that it will resist any attempt to create unrest or derail the democratic process ahead of the upcoming national election.
“As a responsible political party, BNP and its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman agree in principle with the fair demands of teachers,” he said in a statement.
Fakhrul said BNP prioritises fair financial benefits and job security for teachers, along with upholding their dignity and ensuring due state recognition for their contribution.
“We believe that regardless of how many reforms are initiated in politics or governance, true progress will remain elusive unless the education system is modernised and teachers’ financial and social security is ensured,” he said.
He added that if BNP is given the mandate to govern again through the people’s vote, the party will consider measures to expand financial protection for teachers, make their positions permanent and gradually move towards nationalising all educational institutions within the state’s capacity. “BNP has no disagreement on these issues,” he said.
However, he warned that if any quarter linked to the former autocratic regime attempts to exploit the teachers’ just movement to instigate chaos and destabilise the election atmosphere, BNP will firmly confront such actions.
“BNP will show zero tolerance against any attempt to obstruct the democratic transition through the forthcoming election,” Fakhrul said.
