The Department of Primary Education has directed that all public and private primary schools and Primary Teacher Training Centers (PTIs) in the country recite the new oath after the National Anthem during the daily assembly. This direction was given in an order on Monday.
The new oath is ‘I swear to always devote myself to the service of humanity. I will be loyal to the country. Will always strive to maintain the unity and solidarity of the country. O Almighty Allah/Great Creator, give me strength, so that I can serve Bangladesh and make Bangladesh a strong and ideal state. Amen.’
Earlier in 2022, the ousted Awami League government had directed the recitation of the new oath during the public and private primary schools and PTI’s daily gathering.
That oath was, ‘Bangladesh achieved independence through a bloody liberation struggle against the exploitation and deprivation of the Pakistani rulers under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation. The Bengali nation has established its distinct ethnicity in the heart of the world. I solemnly swear that the blood of the martyrs will not go in vain. I will love the country, I will use all my strength for the overall welfare of the people of the country.
We will build a developed, prosperous and non-communal Sonar Bangla in the ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib. Great Creator, give me strength.’
The pre-2022 pledge has been brought back with minor changes.