Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said political leaders must first be free from corruption if corruption is to be eradicated. “The first condition for ending corruption is that the political leaders who call for an end to corruption must themselves be free from it. Otherwise, we’ll fail,” he said.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at an exchange of views with teachers and journalists at the BNP office in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah on Wednesday morning.

Addressing teachers, the minister said managing the current generation was becoming increasingly difficult for them, with artificial intelligence (AI) making the task even more challenging. He added that students were increasingly drawn to drugs. To address the situation, teachers needed to rethink their approach to students and take effective initiatives suited to their needs.

He said it was essential to steer students away from drugs and ensure a healthy learning environment. Teachers must play a responsible role and take planned measures that account for the needs and realities of the current generation.

Taking a tough stance on irregularities in recruitment and management at educational institutions, the law minister said no one would be spared if money changed hands during recruitment at any institution. He also said it was unacceptable for a school management committee chairman to mistreat the headteacher.

He said it would also be intolerable for teachers to disrupt the learning environment or engage in wrongdoing. Everyone concerned must act responsibly to maintain a proper environment at educational institutions.

Emphasising the responsibility of political leaders in preventing corruption, the minister said political leaders and party activists must first rid themselves of corruption. Those who call for an end to corruption must reflect that commitment in their own conduct. Efforts to prevent corruption will fail otherwise.