Primary teachers threaten hunger strike if demands not met by Sep 25

Assistant teachers of government primary schools have issued an ultimatum to the interim government to meet their three-point demands by September 25, warning of a hunger strike at the Central Shaheed Minar from September 26 if their demands are ignored.

The demands include fixing the minimum salary for 11th-grade assistant teachers, filling head teacher posts through 100% promotion from among assistant teachers, and resolving complications related to higher grade increments of 10 and 16 years, along with the speedy implementation of other work-related issues.

The announcement was made on Saturday (August 30) by Md. Monir Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers Association, at a gathering organized by the 'Primary Assistant Teachers Organization Oikya Parishad', an alliance of six registered teachers’ organizations.

After the gathering, representatives submitted a memorandum and requested a meeting with the Chief Adviser.

Speakers at the meeting highlighted that assistant teachers are currently paid in the 13th grade, starting at just 11,000 taka, and stressed the need for prompt promotion to the 11th grade to ensure quality primary education and attract talent to the profession.

Leaders from allied organizations, including Zonayed Saki of Ganosamhati Andolon, Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed of Khelafat Majlis, and other education leaders, attended in support.