Primary school teachers can take children to their institutions, not to classroom

A breastfed baby staying away from the mother for a long time is not desirable, the directorate says

Primary school teachers can take their children to school, but the Directorate of Primary Education has “discouraged” taking them to the classroom.

The directorate also asked authorities to arrange temporary daycare, suggesting teachers bring in an alternative aide to take care of the child during classes.

Raihul Karim, assistant director of the directorate's Policy and Operation Division, told bdnews24.com: "Teachers will be able to come to school with their children, without causing any inconvenience to the school environment and responsibilities.

The teachers, however, have been “discouraged” from taking the children to the classroom as this can “interfere with the class environment”.

He said, "We have come to know from media outlets and social media that the higher authorities prohibit teachers from bringing their children along. But it is by no means desirable to the directorate that a breastfed child stays away from the mother for a long time.

“An order in this regard was issued on Jan 23 last year and sent to the divisional deputy directors, district and Upazila primary education officers, and headmasters,” he added.

The teachers have thanked the directorate for permitting them to take the children to school.

Shahinur Al Amin, president of the Bangladesh Primary Assistant Teachers' Society, said: “Around 60 percent of primary school teachers in the country are women.

“They often received a reprimand from the officers for carrying their little ones to school.

“It is also okay to discourage bringing children into the classroom. Bringing a child along may disrupt the class environment. And if someone else takes care of the child during class time, that is truly a very good initiative,” Shahinur added.