Primary teachers on complete work stoppage

Assistant teachers of public primary schools have been observing full-day work stoppage as part of their ongoing protest to push for fair pay and timely promotions.

The teachers are protesting to press home a series of demands, including wages under Grade 11 of the pay scale and recognition of their position as an entry-level post.

Other demands include resolving the complications around transitioning to higher pay grades after completing 10 and 16 years of service, and faster promotions, including the promotion of assistant teachers to fill 100 percent of head teacher positions.

Earlier on Sunday, Mohammad Shamsuddin, convener of the Primary Assistant Teachers’ Unity Council and president of the Bangladesh Government Primary School Assistant Teachers’ Association, announced the work abstention program.

Since May 5, the teachers have held a one-hour strike during class hours every day until May 15, two hours from May 15-20 and a half-day strike from May 21 until Sunday. It has now escalated into a full-day work stoppage.

Assistant teachers now receive salaries at Grade 13 and head teachers at Grade 11.