As part of the activities in Anagrasar Gano Unnayan Prakolpo (AGUP) funded by Oxfam GB a Roundtable was organized by Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO) on “Importance of Bi-lingual Education and Indigenous Teacher for Indigenous Children at Primary Level” on 22nd May 2010 at the conference room, Hotel Polash, Sylhet. Mr. A K M Riaz Uddin, District Primary Education officer graced the event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Maruf Ahmed Choudhury, Upozilla Primary Education officer was present as special guest. Mr. Lakshmikanta Singh, Executive Director of ECDO presided over the round table meeting.

At the beginning of the program a keynote paper was presented by Mr. Oinam Pamheiba Singha, Project Coordinator of ECDO. Chief Guest Mr. A K M Riaz Uddin thanked to ECDO for taking initiative to bring the issue of Bi- Lingual Education to light. He also added that Government is aware on the issue and will take initiative for ensuring basic education in mother tongue for indigenous children within a short period of time. He mentioned the commitment of government to achieve “Millennium Development Goal” and explained that it will only be possible if we ensure education in mother tongue for indigenous people.

Speakers and participants emphasize the need to provide basic education for indigenous children in their mother tongue & recruit indigenous teacher at Government primary school. They called on the government to take initiative very urgently.

Round Table related link;
http://www.prothom-alo.com/detail/date/2010-05-23/news/65484
http://www.uttorpurbo.com/index.php?id=203&cid=14749

http://www.sylhetsanglap.com/fullnews.php?nid=1812&date=2010-05-22