Primary teachers begin work abstention, no classes in 65,000 schools nationwide

Government primary school teachers across Bangladesh began an indefinite work stoppage on Sunday (November 9), demanding implementation of the 10th-grade pay scale, resolution of higher-grade complexities, and full promotional rights.

The strike has shut down classes in around 65,000 schools nationwide.

The announcement came from Shamsuddin Masud, convener of the Primary Assistant Teachers’ Unity Council, during a press conference at the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday evening (November 8).

"Teachers will continue a sit-in protest in Shaheed Minar premises alongside the work abstention," he said.

Earlier that day, police dispersed teachers demonstrating at Shahbagh by firing tear gas, sound grenades, and rubber bullets, leaving over a hundred injured. Many took shelter at Dhaka University.

According to the Directorate of Primary Education, Bangladesh has 65,567 government primary schools employing about 384,000 teachers, all of whom joined the strike.

The teachers began the movement after the government upgraded the pay scale for head teachers in April but excluded assistant teachers, sparking accusations of discrimination.

Another faction of the Unity Council has given the government until November 15 to respond, warning of escalated actions including boycotts and hunger strikes if demands remain unmet.