Teaching has come to a standstill in 65,500 schools across the country as government primary school assistant teachers continue their strike over three demands. The protesters have warned that they will boycott the annual exams scheduled for Monday if a clear decision is not made by Sunday night to fulfill their demands.
Despite lengthy discussions, the teachers returned to the strike due to lack of progress on salary scale enhancement, resolution of the issue of higher grades for those completing 10 and 16 years, and 100% departmental promotions.
DPE Director General Abu Nur Md. Shamsuzzaman requested the protesters to participate in the exam in a meeting, but teacher leaders said that there was no question of withdrawing the program without guaranteeing their demands.
In this situation, the country’s primary education system stands on the threshold of uncertainty, with the biggest exam of the year ahead.