What Are the Six Demands Driving Health Assistants' Protest in Bangladesh?
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Synopsis
Health assistants in Bangladesh are steadfast in their indefinite work stoppage, advocating for six essential demands, including a significant upgrade to their positions. The protest is driven by the urgent need for equity in the healthcare sector. Will the government respond to their call for change?
Key Takeaways
- Health assistants are demanding a change in their job status.
- The ongoing protest emphasizes issues of salary equity and recognition.
- The government’s response is crucial for the resolution of the strike.
- The protests highlight broader systemic issues in healthcare.
- Continued activism is essential for driving change in public health policies.
Dhaka, Nov 30 (NationPress) Health assistants have persisted in their indefinite work stoppage as of Sunday to advocate for their six-point agenda, which notably includes the upgrading of their positions to the 14th grade, according to local media.
Fazlul Haque Chowdhury, who serves as the member secretary of the Bangladesh Health Assistant Association Central Coordination Council (BHAA), reported that thousands of health assistants, united under the banner of the Bangladesh Health Assistant Association, initiated a sit-in on Saturday morning, remaining overnight at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, as highlighted by The Daily Star.
Chowdhury expressed that an 11-member delegation was en route to the Secretariat to engage in discussions with the interim government. However, he emphasized that the health assistants would maintain their work stoppage until the government issues an order regarding the elevation of their entry position.
"We will not cease our protest unless the government releases a government order to promote our entry post from 16th grade to 14th grade," he asserted.
The association had previously announced on November 23 that they would commence a work stoppage if their demands were not met by November 28.
Among the six demands presented by the health assistants are revisions to recruitment rules, the elimination of salary disparities, and the granting of technical status.
On October 6, the health assistants had declared a “partial” cessation of their work stoppage protest, which had started on October 1, in light of the scheduled typhoid vaccination program set to begin on October 12, as reported by bdNews24.
This decision followed a meeting with the chief of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Mohakhali. Chowdhury had mentioned that although the typhoid vaccination initiative would commence on October 12, other activities would remain suspended until October 30. He warned that the strike would resume on October 30 should there be no tangible progress from the authorities in addressing their demands.
Point of View
Which is vital for the nation’s health infrastructure. As the situation evolves, it’s essential to monitor the government's response and the impact of these protests on public health services.
NationPress
30/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the health assistants?
The health assistants are advocating for six key demands, including upgrading their positions to the 14th grade, revising recruitment rules, eliminating salary discrimination, and granting technical status.
Why are health assistants protesting?
Health assistants are protesting to address long-standing issues regarding job status, pay disparities, and the need for better recognition within the healthcare system.
What action did health assistants take on November 30?
On November 30, health assistants continued their indefinite work stoppage and sit-in at Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to press for their demands.
What was the response of the government to the protests?
As of now, the health assistants have stated that they will not relent until the government issues a formal order addressing their demands.
How long have the health assistants been protesting?
The health assistants have been protesting since October 1, 2023, with various actions, including a partial suspension of their strike in October.
