A letter entitled 'Physical punishment in schools' published in The Daily Star on October 4, 2010, drew my attention and I would like to write something in this regard.

The writer deeply expressed his grief as corporal punishment is still being practiced in the classrooms. He also requested to punish the Head Teachers and teachers who don't abide by the law and send them to jail, if necessary. I would like to advise him to have patience. It is not clear when physical punishment was first introduced in the educational institutions. But it is an age-old tradition. This bad tradition will take a bit time to be fully eliminated. Though it is still being practiced, it is gradually disappearing. Nevertheless, before imposing the law, the govt, should have ensured some institutional facilities. The classrooms of most of the schools are over-populated. It is really difficult fo r a teacher to control a classroom consisting of 70 or more students. So, the classrooms should not be oversized. Again, a teacher has to take at least 5 to 6 classes a day. After taking so many classes he/she becomes exhausted. A teacher can take 2 to 3 classes fruitfully. Therefore, more teachers should be appointed in every school. Moreover, it is not enough to impose laws, there should be rules and regulations for restraining the students' behaviour too.

All teachers don't agree that physical punishment is always harmful to children. Some teachers have a belief that certain levels of gentle punishment may be effective.

We have to be patient for seeing the complete abolishment of physical punishment from our schools and thus help the honourable teachers. We hope our future generation would grow up in a fearless and friendly environment.

Md Jalal Uddin

Assistant Teacher

Natore Govt. High School Natore