Government to Launch ‘Maherin Chowdhury Award’ for Teachers

The interim government’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the introduction of the ‘Maherin Chowdhury Award’ to honor teachers for their extraordinary courage and service, commemorating Maherin Chowdhury, the coordinator at Milestone School and College in Uttara, who sacrificed her life during a plane crash incident. The announcement was made during an advisory council meeting at the Secretariat on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Shafiqul Alam stated, “Maherin Chowdhury gave her life to rescue her students. Her bravery will be remembered, and the government is launching the ‘Maherin Chowdhury Award for Outstanding Services’ to recognize teachers who demonstrate similar courage and exemplary actions annually.” The award will be conferred by the Education Ministry to honor teachers for heroic contributions.

Maherin Chowdhury, a coordinator for grades 3 to 5 at the Bangla-medium section of Milestone School and College, died on July 21, 2025, while saving at least 20 students during a Bangladesh Air Force training plane crash in Uttara, Dhaka. The incident claimed 34 lives, including children, with several others still receiving treatment for burns. On that day, Maherin was handing over students to their guardians when the plane crashed into a school building, igniting a fire. Despite severe burns, she continued rescuing students until she was critically injured and later succumbed at Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s Burn Unit.

Hailing from Bogulagari, Jaldhaka, Nilphamari, Maherin was the eldest daughter of Mahitur Rahman Chowdhury and Sabera Khatun. After completing her education, she joined Milestone School and College around 2002–03, serving until her death. Her in-laws’ home is in Charatrai, Naria, Shariatpur, and she is survived by her husband, Monsur Helal, a general manager at a private firm, and two sons, Ayan Rasheed (recent SSC graduate) and Adel Rasheed (Class 9 student), both studying at Milestone. Maherin was the niece of President Ziaur Rahman, as her grandmother Raushanara Begum was the sister of Ziaur’s mother, Jahanara Begum.

The announcement has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many praising Maherin’s sacrifice and the government’s decision to honor her legacy. Nilphamari residents, including local student leader Maruf Parvez Prince, have expressed pride in her heroism, calling her a symbol of courage.