Dhaka, Feb 26 (V7N)- Several assistant teachers from government primary schools have launched the pre-announced "March for dignity" program, demanding the implementation of the 10th grade pay scale and rejecting the proposed 12th grade.
The protest began in front of the Directorate of Primary Education in Mirpur, Dhaka on Wednesday.
By 1pm, a large number of teachers had gathered, chanting slogans such as “In my golden Bengal, there is no place for discrimination,” “The 10th grade must be given, give it now,” and “We do not accept the deceitful 12th grade.”
Md Mahbubur Rahman, coordinator of the Government Primary School Assistant Teachers’ 10th Grade Implementation Coordination Council, said: “We have been demanding the 10th grade for a long time. Previously, we organized a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar and marched towards Jamuna, after which officials assured us of action.”
Teacher Khairunnahar Lipi, one of the protestors, added: “On February 9, the director general and additional director general of the Directorate of Primary Education assured us they would take responsibility for implementing our demand. As a result, we postponed the February 11 ‘March for Dignity.’ However, despite that assurance, the newly formed advisory committee on primary education reform has now recommended the 12th grade, which we reject. Our only demand is the implementation of the 10th grade, and we will continue our movement until it is fulfilled.”
The protesting teachers have also voiced opposition to the introduction of an assistant head teacher position, instead demanding 100% promotion opportunities for assistant teachers.
END/MSS/AJ
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