I've retired from job, not teaching

Bahaj Uddin Fakir, a retiree from Shaheed Smriti High School and College in Tangail's Madhupur upazila, has not taken even a day's leave during the 38 years of his teaching service.

Bahaz, 60, an English teacher of the institution, spent his last formal working day on Wednesday when he retired from the job.

“I did not take any leave as imparting education to my students, mostly from ordinary surroundings from the rural area, was my priority. Although I have retired from the job, I want to continue with teaching till my last days," said Bahaj.

Bazlur Rashid Khan, principal of the institution, narrated how Bahaj came to work even on September 14 in 2012-- the day his mother died -- after keeping the body at his house yard in the morning.

“After signing the (attendance) register, Bahaj took the day's first class and returned to his house. But surprisingly, he came back to school right after his mother's burial and went on to take his scheduled class,” said Bazlur.

“Bahaj, however, had to give in and return home at his colleagues' insistence on the day,” he added.

“His father Abdul Hamid Fakir died on a Friday in 2003. Bahaj took all his scheduled classes as usual the following day,” the principal said.

Other teachers of the institution consider Bahaj as an example to follow and they have also promised to work sincerely, he added.

A teacher or other staff who has not taken leave for a single day in a year is entitled to a month's additional salary, school authorities said, adding that Bahaj had been getting the bonus every year ever since he joined the work.

Bahaj, father of two daughters and a son, has already got hohour from different levels for his unique devotion to his profession.