Assistant teachers of government primary schools began a three-day nationwide work stoppage on Tuesday, pressing for their three-point demand. As a result, classes have come to a standstill across the country.
The “Assistant Teachers’ Unity Council” announced the program after prolonged discussions with the government failed to produce any visible progress.
Sabera Begum, joint convener of the council, said their demands include: elevating assistant teachers to the 11th grade as an entry-level position, ensuring 100% departmental promotion, and resolving complexities related to higher-grade benefits after long service. Despite repeated talks, she said, no concrete steps were taken, prompting the decision to suspend work.
The council has warned that if there is no progress, teachers will boycott annual examinations and begin an indefinite hunger strike from December 11. Council convener Shahinur Akter stated that assurances from the government have not translated into action, leaving them no choice but to intensify their movement.
Bangladesh’s primary education system includes more than 65,000 government schools employing around 380,000 teachers, many of whom have long protested grade disparities. They argue that while bachelor’s degree holders in various government sectors receive the 10th grade, primary assistant teachers—despite additional professional training—remain stuck in the 13th grade.