Bangladesh to Honour 100 Outstanding Teachers on World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day is being observed today, October 5, across Bangladesh along with other countries. For the first time at the national level, 100 outstanding teachers are being honoured this year.

The day aims to recognise teachers’ contributions and promote their professional dignity, rights and recognition. World Teachers’ Day has been observed annually on October 5 since 1994 following an initiative by UNESCO.

The theme of World Teachers’ Day 2026 is ‘Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Enhancing Dignity and Shaping Our Future.’ This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 international recommendation concerning the status of teachers.

The recommendation established international standards concerning teachers’ rights and responsibilities, professional preparation, recruitment, working conditions and teaching environments.

Teachers are now facing new challenges due to rapid technological change, climate change, inclusive education, migration and displacement. UNESCO has therefore placed renewed emphasis on strengthening teachers’ social, professional and economic status.

A national ‘Outstanding Teachers’ Award’ ceremony has been organised at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Monday afternoon. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend the programme as the chief guest.

The selected teachers will receive Tk 200,000 in cash, along with a crest and certificate of recognition. While 12 teachers were previously honoured at the national level, the number has been increased to 100 this year.

The awardees include 10 teachers from the primary level, 20 from secondary schools, 25 from colleges and 20 from general universities. Another 10 teachers from medical colleges, three from agricultural universities, three from engineering universities and four from science, technology and other specialised universities will also receive the honour.

Five additional teachers will be honoured under the Prime Minister’s special quota, bringing the total number of national-level awardees to 100.

Separate committees formed by the Directorate of Primary Education, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, Directorate of Technical and Madrasa Education and the University Grants Commission prepared the initial lists. A national committee later reviewed the nominations and finalised the 100 award recipients.

Institutional observance of World Teachers’ Day in Bangladesh has gained momentum in recent years. A nationwide initiative was launched in 2022, followed by a national-level programme in 2023. October 5 was subsequently included in the Cabinet’s annual calendar as World Teachers’ Day.