Primary teachers threaten strike if demands not met by Nov 15

Assistant teachers at government primary schools have threatened nationwide work stoppage and sit-in programmes if the long-standing disputes over pay grades and promotions are not resolved by November 15.

Primary Assistant Teachers Organization Oikya Parishad, a platform of primary assistant teachers, made the announcement in a press conference at Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday, November 1.

At the press conference, Md Anisur Rahman, president of the Bangladesh Primary Assistant Teachers’ Society, said that they will observe a half-day work abstention from November 23 to 24; full day strike from November 25 to 26; and sit-in in front of the Primary Education Directorate on November 27 if their three point-demand is not met by November 15.

Besides, they also announced to boycott all exams, and fast-unto-death from December 11 to press home their demands.

The three demands are giving entry-level salary at Grade 11 instead of the current Grade 13; resolving the complications around obtaining higher pay grades after the completion of 10 and 16 years in job; and faster promotions, including 100 per cent promotion of assistant teachers to the head teacher posts.

RAS/MSU