Grand Assembly of Primary Assistant Teachers’ Unity Council Begins Over Three Demands

The grand assembly of the Primary Assistant Teachers’ Unity Council commenced on Saturday (August 30) at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. The event officially began with the rendition of the national anthem. Teachers from various districts and upazilas across the country gathered at the venue from early morning.

The three main demands of the teachers are:

1. Setting the entry-level salary for assistant teachers in primary schools at Grade 11.
   
   

2. Filling all vacant head teacher positions through 100% promotions.
   
   

3. Not counting the upgraded scales granted at 10th and 16th grades as higher grades.
   
   

Muhammad Shamsuddin Masud, convener of the Unity Council, stated, “If the government does not provide a clear commitment today, we will be forced to announce a strict action program.”

Representatives from various political parties, including BNP, Jamaat, NCP, Gonosonghoti Andolon, and Gonodhikar Parishad, attended the assembly. Notable political figures present included BNP’s Organizational Secretary Principal Selim Bhuiya, Jamaat’s ABM Fazlul Karim, Nagorik Oikko’s Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Gonosonghoti Andolon’s Zunaid Saki, and NCP’s Abdul Hannan Masud.

It is worth noting that in May this year, teachers began a one-hour work stoppage, which gradually escalated to an indefinite strike starting May 26. Although they returned to classes after government assurances, the failure to implement their demands has prompted teachers to take to the streets once again.