Pointing to recent movements by various sections of teachers to have their demands realised, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said it would not be possible to get any demand fulfilled by putting pressure on the government.

“If anyone thinks it's the last year of the government, and we [government] will fulfill all the demands they are placing, that's wrong. I don't care about power. It matters little to me whether I'll be there in power or not," she said.

The PM was addressing an “Education Rally” arranged by National University at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city. Some 2,040 principals of the colleges under National University across the country joined the rally.

Hasina said her government gave the highest importance to education and had taken many steps for the sector since it assumed office in 1996. "Anyone didn't need to go for any movement and place demands in this regard since then.

"You [teachers] can keep trust in the Awami League as it didn't deprive anyone of his or her rights and won't do either as long as it is in power. I'll just say nobody can realise anything exerting pressure on us," she added.

The PM went on to say, "When we're taking the country forward based on a policy, everything can't be realised by creating unnecessary pressure."

Talking about quality education, Hasina said now many people said the quality of education was not being maintained. But there was a question here how the standard was measured. "Improving the standard is a matter of continuation."

She stressed the need for having time-befitting curricula in line with the changing world and urged the teachers to formulate that with a focus on technological education.

Describing teachers as the architects of the nation, the PM said they would have to think what kind of human beings they were creating.

Mentioning that her government gave importance to modern and technology education, Hasina said the mindset of the teachers and those who prepare curricula would have to be modern to take the country forward, keeping consistency with the fast changing world.

She said the AL government established many science and technology-based universities, including maritime university, science and technology university, textile university and fashion design university. 

About the National University, the PM said there was no session jam at the NU and it also published academic calendar for up to 2021. Now, most NU activities were being conducted with the use of information technology.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid also spoke on the occasion, while NU Vice- Chancellor Harun-or-Rashid delivered the welcome speech.

Earlier, Hasina handed over honorary mementos and prizes to principals of the best seven colleges selected on their performance ranking.

The colleges are: Rajshahi Government College, Government Edward College in Pabna, Government Carmichael College in Rangpur, Government BM College in Barisal, Government Azizul Haque College in Bogra, Dhaka Commerce College and Siddheswari Girls' College in Dhaka.

On the occasion, the prime minister also inaugurated Education Development Project involving Tk 1,040 crore and laid the foundation stones of 10 new projects undertaken by the National University.