Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque said discussions are under way on introducing a separate pay scale for teachers. He made the remarks at an event in the capital on Tuesday, saying teachers’ salaries or pay scales should not be compared with those of any other group.

The minister said the proposed teachers’ pay scale should remain distinct whether it is lower or higher, and should not be assessed against other professions. He specifically said it would not be compared with the pay scale of a secretary or an MLS.

Describing teachers as ornaments who build the nation, Ehsanul Haque said they must be viewed separately. He reiterated his view that teachers should have an independent pay scale. The report did not provide details of a decision, timeline or implementation plan for the proposal.