Assistant teachers of government primary schools have announced the suspension of their work abstention under “complete shutdown” movement. They will return to classrooms on Sunday and perform examination duties.
The announcement was made on Thursday night in a joint statement by Prathomik Shikkhok Dabi Bastobayon Parishad and the Bangladesh Prathomik Sohokari Shikkhok Songothon Oikkyo Parishad.
The joint statement read, “Considering ethical and humanitarian grounds, as well as the welfare of their young, school-going students, the complete shutdown programme in all government primary schools has been suspended until the end of the examinations.
“All classes will hold their third-term assessments (annual examinations) from Sunday.
Following the completion of the examinations, the two organisations will decide on their next programme after further discussions.”
Four teacher leaders among 42 transferred
On Thursday night, the Directorate of Primary Education issued a transfer order for Mohammad Shamsuddin Masud, convener of the Prathomik Shikkhok Dabi Bastobayon Parishad and president of the Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers’ Association.
He was transferred from Noakhali to the neighbouring Lakshmipur district.
Shortly after his transfer order, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education issued another order transferring a total of 42 teachers, including three additional conveners of the parishad.
The ministry’s order stated that permission had been granted to transfer 42 assistant teachers on administrative grounds. A review of the list shows that all of them were transferred from their existing workplaces to neighbouring districts.
Speaking to The TIMES of Bangladesh, Masud said, “I have no regrets regarding the transfers. The sacrifices made by teachers across the country will be meaningful only when the three demands of the teachers are fulfilled.
“Many teachers injured in the police attack during the Shahbagh programme are still undergoing treatment. Everyone should stand by their injured colleagues.”
For years, assistant teachers have been demanding for the upgrade of their salary scale from the 13th grade to the 10th grade; higher grade benefits upon completion of 10 and 16 years of service; and 100 per cent departmental promotion from assistant teacher to head teacher.
