Each of them is equaly important. Bilingual dictionaries are for lower level students, probably up to B1 or even B2 level. Monolingual are for those who are familiar with quite number of words and certain number of structures, those who are able to understand the definition (so B2 and up). I particulary like one which is the mixture of the two - it's Oxford english-serbian Student's Dictionary. It is actually monolingual dictionary where at the end of every definition there is a Serbian equivalent of the word.
I agree with you that both are equally important. I used to be very strict about not using monolingual dictionaries in or out of the classroom but you can't stop learners from using them. So, if you can't beat them join them! Students just have to learn how to use them and be a little critical of them.
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