Why Are Primary Teachers in Bangladesh on Strike for Better Pay and Promotions?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, primary school teachers in Bangladesh have initiated a three-day strike demanding better pay and promotions. With threats of boycotting upcoming exams and a hunger strike, the teachers are determined to make their voices heard. What will the government do in response?
Key Takeaways
- Three-day work stoppage initiated by primary teachers in Bangladesh.
- Demands include better pay scales and promotions.
- Threats of boycotting annual exams and starting a hunger strike.
- Organized under the 'Unity Council of Primary Assistant Teacher Organisations'.
- Failure of government response has escalated the protests.
Dhaka, Nov 25 (NationPress) Primary school educators in Bangladesh initiated a three-day work stoppage on Tuesday to advocate for their demands concerning salary scales and promotions. They have threatened to boycott the upcoming annual examinations and commence a hunger strike in December if their demands are not met, according to local media reports.
The assistant teachers kicked off their protests on Tuesday under the banner of the 'Unity Council of Primary Assistant Teacher Organisations', which comprises 12 teacher groups, as reported by the Bangladeshi media outlet bdnews24.
The council is advocating for Grade 11 in the government pay scale for new assistant teachers, resolving issues related to higher grades after 10 and 16 years of service, and ensuring 100% departmental promotion.
Shahinur Al Amin, president of the Bangladesh Primary Assistant Teachers’ Society, one of the coalition’s member groups, stated that they had allotted the government until November 15 to address their demands. The lack of action from the government led to the current work stoppage.
Anisur Rahman, an assistant teacher from Suritola Model Government Primary School in Old Dhaka and president of the coalition's society, mentioned that a comprehensive work stoppage will take place today and tomorrow, followed by a sit-in demonstration outside the Directorate of Primary Education on November 27.
He added, "If there is no tangible progress or announcement regarding our demands within this timeframe, we will boycott the annual examinations starting on December 1 and initiate a hunger strike from December 11."
On November 9, government primary school teachers protested for the second consecutive day at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to voice their three demands, as reported by local media.
The president of the Bangladesh Primary Teachers’ Association, Abul Kashem, stated that teachers, under the banner of the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council, demanded the resignation of the advisers to the Ministries of Home Affairs and Primary and Mass Education in response to police actions against their demonstration on November 8, as reported by the United News of Bangladesh (UNB).
Kashem explained that educators were on a work abstention across primary schools in Bangladesh to protest police actions. He noted, "Yesterday (Saturday), we peacefully marched to Shahbagh for an event titled ‘Kolom Shomarpon’ (pen submission)."
"During this event, police assaulted us, arresting five of our colleagues and injuring over a hundred. Additionally, the adviser to the Primary and Mass Education Ministry dismissed our demands as irrational. Consequently, we demand the resignation of both advisers," he concluded.
Point of View
It is evident that the ongoing strike by primary teachers in Bangladesh highlights the urgent need for government intervention in addressing their demands for better pay and promotions. The situation deserves attention as it not only affects the teachers but also the students and the education system as a whole.
NationPress
25/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary demands of the striking teachers?
The primary demands include a revision to Grade 11 of the government pay scale for entry-level teachers, resolution of issues related to higher grades after 10 and 16 years of service, and full departmental promotions.
What actions are teachers planning if their demands are not met?
If their demands are not met, teachers plan to boycott annual examinations starting December 1 and begin a hunger strike from December 11.
Which organizations are involved in the strike?
The strike is organized under the 'Unity Council of Primary Assistant Teacher Organisations', comprising 12 different teacher groups.
What was the government response to the teachers' demands?
As of now, the government has not responded satisfactorily to the teachers' demands, leading to the ongoing work stoppage.
When did the protests begin?
The protests began on November 25, 2023.
