State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj today stressed on professional integrity and neutrality of teachers at educational institutions, including public universities, saying regardless of a teacher’s personal or political identity, his or her only identity inside the classroom should be of a “teacher”.

He urged teachers not to create any kind of political biasness or partiality in classrooms while performing their professional duties.

The state minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the “DRU Debating Club” held at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) at Segunbagicha in the capital this afternoon.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining neutrality in professional life, he referred to an example from his own long teaching career.

“I myself taught at university for 17 years. And, I was directly involved with a political party for 10 years. But throughout my teaching career, I never discussed my political ideology with my students in the classroom,” he said.

He added, “The sense of responsibility in a noble profession like teaching is extremely important. A teacher may belong to any political party, which is his or her civic right. But that should not influence the classroom. Teachers should educate students as ideal mentors without creating any partisan bias in their minds.”

“Unfortunately, when teachers in our public universities engage in politics, many times this boundary is not maintained,” he opined.

Comparing the nature of work of journalists and teachers, the State Minister said both teachers and journalists have to play the role of guides in society.

“Just as teachers must remain neutral in classrooms, journalists too should forget personal emotion in their profession,” he opined.

Chaired by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, the function was also addressed by Chairman of Debate for Democracy Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron as special guest.

In his speech, Abu Saleh Akon said the main goal of the DRU Debating Club is to enhance journalists’ professional standards and take a strong stand against injustice, corruption, discrimination and fascism in society.

He said the club would help journalists develop logical thinking and overcome hesitation in professional work and sharpen their ability to raise questions.

The programme was moderated by DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, while Organising Secretary and Convener of the DRU Debating Club Mir Mohammad Jasim delivered the welcome speech.

At the end of the programme, the state minister formally inaugurated the DRU Debating Club and expressed hope that debate practice would play a unique role in developing logical thinking among young journalists.