Assistant teachers of primary schools have announced a continuous sit-in protest from November 8 at the Central Shaheed Minar, demanding the 10th-grade pay scale, higher grades after 10 and 16 years of service, and 100% departmental promotion.
The movement will be led by Khairun Nahar Lipi, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Primary Teachers’ Association (Shahin-Lipi); Md. Shamsuddin Masud, President of the Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers’ Association; Md. Mahbubur Rahman, representing the 10th Grade Implementation Committee; and Mohammad Anwar Ullah, one of the coordinators.
President of the Bangladesh Primary Teachers’ Association, Abul Kashem, said, “Despite repeated assurances, the authorities have not implemented our demands. Therefore, we are compelled to take to the streets once again.” General Secretary Khairun Nahar Lipi added, “Those who think our demands will be met just by waiting for the ministry are mistaken. We are united and determined to achieve our goals.”
She further stated, “Sub-inspectors of police, nurses, agricultural officers, and union council secretaries all receive the 10th-grade salary, yet primary school assistant teachers—despite holding the highest academic qualifications—are still stuck in the 11th grade. This is discrimination.”
Md. Shamsuddin Masud, President of the Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers’ Association, said, “Although our hunger strike program on October 17 was postponed, this time we will continue our united protest.” He added, “The Ministry of Finance forwarded our proposal to the Pay Commission instead of implementing it, but the Pay Commission stated that such matters fall under the Service Commission’s jurisdiction. As a result, teachers have no choice but to return to the streets to press for their three-point demands.