Demanding implementation of three-point demands, including upgrading their pay scale to the 10th grade, and protesting the police action at Shahbagh, primary school teachers across the country have announced an indefinite work abstention (class suspension) starting Sunday (November 9).
At the same time, they will continue their sit-in program at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.
The announcement was made by Shamsuddin Masud, Convener of the Primary Assistant Teacher Unity Council and Central President of the Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers’ Association, on Saturday evening (November 8) during the ongoing sit-in at the Shaheed Minar. He alleged that police fired rubber bullets, sound grenades, and tear gas at the teachers during their peaceful march, leaving more than a hundred teachers injured.
According to him, many teachers sustained injuries in different parts of their bodies, including one teacher who was admitted to PG Hospital with a rubber bullet lodged near his forehead, and several others who were hospitalized at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Earlier, the teachers carried out a symbolic “pen surrender” program before marching towards Shahbagh, where they were stopped by the police. Teacher leaders said the movement will continue until their demands are fulfilled.
The teachers’ three major demands are:
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Upgrading the salary scale of assistant teachers to the 10th grade
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Resolving complications in receiving higher grade benefits after 10 and 16 years of service
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Ensuring 100% departmental promotion