Medical technologists and pharmacists renewed their demand for immediate implementation of 10th grade status on Friday, pointing to a disparity that has lasted for decades.
The demand was raised at a conference organised by the Medical Technologists and Pharmacists 10th Grade Implementation Council in Dhaka. Representatives from Mymensingh, Rajshahi and several medical colleges attended the programme.
Kabir, a representative from Mymensingh Medical College, told “recent protest programmes were observed across districts, medical colleges, hospitals and upazilas. However, the movement slowed down in recent days.
He criticised the central leadership for failing to announce stronger programmes and added “clearer decisions were needed to maintain momentum.”
Saidur Rahman, Rajshahi district representative, recalled colleagues who had worked for the demand over the years, including Golam Hossain, who died recently. He said the demand for grade parity had remained unresolved for nearly 30 years.
He added “unity among technologists and pharmacists had increased nationwide” and urged to create leadership to take firm organisational decisions.
“If the leadership acts decisively, the issue can be resolved without prolonged street programmes,” he added.
Biplob, a representative from Suhrawardy Medical College, told TIMES the conference had a single demand: implementation of 10th grade status.
He added “the council had received assurances from the health and public administration ministries regarding the issue, though no official notification had yet been issued yet”
The speakers highlighted the vital role of technologists and pharmacists, including during Covid-19, and called for an end to long-standing grade disparities.
