Rajshahi June 5 (V7N Dhaka) — Over 300 teachers from various departments of Rajshahi University participated in a half-day work stoppage on Tuesday, June 4th. The protest was organized by the Rajshahi University Teachers' Association to demand the withdrawal of a discriminatory government notification on universal pensions, the inclusion of university teachers in super grade categories, and the introduction of a separate pay scale for them.

The protest took place at 11 AM on Paris Road, adjacent to the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Senate Building of the university. The event was moderated by Rajshahi University Teachers' Association General Secretary Omar Faruk Sarkar.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Farid Uddin Khan, Professor of the Economics Department, highlighted the numerous challenges faced by teachers. "Teachers are being deprived of many facilities, and whatever little we had is being taken away. There is a conspiracy against teachers nationwide. When we rise in protest, the government challenges our limits. We are being treated like the third kid of a goat, Whatever want is being imposed."

Dr. Khan further emphasized the crucial role of education for national progress and questioned the neglect of educators. "Why are teachers being neglected? Those crafting this universal pension scheme will never be affected by it, yet it is being forced upon us. Our society is in a murky state; we need to clear the water to restore public trust."

Dr. Mosha Hassna Hena, Professor of the Management Department, drew a stark comparison, stating, "The imposition of this pension scheme feels akin to the massacre of intellectuals by Pakistani forces in 1971. It has forced us, the teachers, to take to the streets. Are the policymakers our enemies? We vehemently reject this universal pension scheme."

Rajshahi University Teachers' Association President Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman described the new pension structure issued by the ministry as discriminatory. "In line with the program announced by the Bangladesh University Teachers' Federation, we, the teachers of Rajshahi University, observed this half-day strike. However, all examinations are exempt from this protest. We will continue our movement until our demands are met, and if necessary, we will announce stricter programs in the future."

The demonstration reflects growing discontent among university educators regarding recent pension reforms and pay scale disparities, signaling the potential for further action if their concerns are not addressed.

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