Considering the government’s assurance on 11th-grade implementation and the country’s political situation, primary assistant teachers have suspended their sit-in program in Dhaka.
However, teacher leaders will discuss and decide on the ongoing nationwide work stoppage in schools.
As of Monday around 9:15pm, teacher leaders had not yet reached a decision on whether the strike would continue.
Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers’ Association (BPSATA) Central President Md Shamsuddin Masud told Dhaka Tribune: “Considering the current political situation, the Dhaka sit-in at the central Shaheed Minar has been suspended. However, no decision has been made yet on the strike. Discussions are ongoing and a decision will be announced afterward.”
Earlier in the evening, a delegation of protesting teachers met senior officials of the Finance Division and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education at the Secretariat.
After the meeting, BPSATA (Shahin-Lipi) general secretary Khairun Nahar Lipi said the program was suspended, though protesting teachers raised objections regarding the Ministry’s decisions and the suspension. Teacher leaders then held discussions on the next steps. Around 9:15pm, Md Shamsuddin Masud announced the suspension of the sit-in at Shaheed Minar, noting that the decision on the strike would be communicated later.
Earlier, the Ministry of Education stated in a press release: “Regarding upgrading assistant teachers’ pay scale, the Finance Secretary said the proposal to elevate assistant teachers to the 11th grade has been sent to the National Pay Commission, which is currently under review. After receiving the Commission’s recommendation, the Finance Division will take necessary action.”
Following these developments, teachers announced the withdrawal of their movement, according to the ministry’s press release.
On Saturday, assistant teachers began a sit-in at the central Shaheed Minar demanding three key points, including the 10th-grade pay scale, higher-grade promotions at 10 and 16 years, and 100% promotion from assistant to head teacher.
During a protest march to Shahbagh and a pen-surrender program, police used batons, water cannons, and sound grenades, injuring 109 teachers and arresting five. Teachers protested at Shaheed Minar that night by lighting candles.
From Sunday, teachers across government primary schools went on strike nationwide, with students also protesting in various districts. Teachers demanded the resignation of Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Primary and Mass Education Adviser Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy. The detained teachers were later released by Shahbagh police station.
On Sunday night, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education met with teacher leaders to discuss demands. While assurances were given, teacher leaders announced that the strike and sit-in would continue nationwide until a final decision comes from the Finance Ministry.
Teachers’ three demands:
- Upgrade assistant teachers’ pay scale from 13th to 10th grade.
- Resolve issues regarding higher-grade promotions at 10 and 16 years of service.
- Ensure 100% departmental promotion from assistant teacher to head teacher.
