Primary school teachers start indefinite strike

Assistant teachers at government primary schools across the country began an indefinite work abstention yesterday, demanding that their entry-level pay be placed under the 11th grade of the national pay scale.

As a result, academic activities for over one crore students at 65,567 government primary schools are being hampered in many areas, especially where teachers' associations are more active.

According to the Directorate of Primary Education, nearly 3.84 lakh teachers are currently serving in these institutions.

The strike was called by the Assistant Teachers' Unity Council, a coalition of several teacher organisations, following weeks of gradual protest programmes.

Teachers had previously observed one-hour work abstentions from May 5 to 15, two-hour abstentions from May 16 to 20, and half-day abstentions from May 21 to 25.

Md Anisur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Prathomik Sohokari Shikkhok Shomaj, told The Daily Star, "We've seen sincerity from the government on two of our three demands. But there has been no clear assurance about upgrading assistant teachers to the 11th grade. That is why we are continuing our programme."

Currently, assistant teachers get salaries under the 13th grade, while head teachers are under the 11th grade. On April 24, the primary and mass education ministry moved to upgrade them to the 12th and 10th grades respectively, following recommendations from a government-formed committee.

The committee, formed in October last year and chaired by BRAC University Emeritus Prof Manzoor Ahmed, recommended abolishing the assistant teacher post, introducing a new entry-level position at the 12th grade, and placing head teachers at the 10th grade through promotion.

Teachers have rejected the proposal, insisting that the 11th grade must be the starting point for assistant teachers.

Their other demands include eliminating procedural barriers to higher-grade promotions after 10 and 16 years of service and ensuring cent percent promotion to head teacher posts through a faster and more transparent system.

The demonstrating teachers say they will not return to classrooms until all their demands are met.