Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has asked the education ministry for nationalizing the Tindu Junior Secondary School, located in the remote Tindu area of Thanchi upazila in Bandarban.
Education Minister Dr A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon said this in Jatiya Sangsad on Sunday during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for FY27, saying the ministry has made necessary action following the Prime Minister’s instruction.
Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said a report on social media came to the notice of the Prime Minister highlighting the extraordinary efforts of the school’s head teacher, Bamong Khiang Minglen to help pay the salaries of the teachers by operating a motorised boat.
During March and April alone, he earned Tk 40,000 by operating the boat, out of which Tk 30,000 was spent for paying the salaries of fellow teachers, he said.
In such a remote hilly region, sustaining a school itself is a major challenge.
The head teacher’s dedication has become an inspiring story for many. After the matter came to the Prime Minister’s attention, he immediately instructed the Education Minister to take necessary steps to nationalize the school, Rumon said.
While delivering his budget speech in the Jatiya Sangsad, the Education Minister said, “The Hon’ble Prime Minister has sent me a note directing that the school in Tindu area of Thanchi be nationalised. He has sent this instruction to the House today (Sunday).”
“I would like to inform the House that the school will be nationalised soon,” he added.
Established in 2020, Tindu Junior Secondary School currently has 56 students. However, as most of their families are financially disadvantaged and unable to pay tuition fees regularly, paying the salaries of teachers and staff has become extremely difficult.
To overcome the crisis, head teacher Bamong Khiang Minglen operates a motorised boat on the Thanchi–Tindu–Remakri river route during holidays.
A significant portion of his earnings from transporting tourists and passengers is used to pay teachers’ salaries, enabling the school to continue its operations.
bd-pratidin/GR
