Bangladeshi teachers, recently terminated from their jobs at Rohingya refugee camps, have blocked the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf highway in protest. Demanding reinstatement, the demonstrators brought vehicular movement to a complete standstill.
The teachers were dismissed by UN agency UNICEF, which cited funding shortages as the reason for their termination.
On Monday (August 18) morning, the aggrieved educators began their protest by occupying the Kotbazar intersection on the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf road. Within hours, hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway, causing severe disruptions.
Eyewitnesses say that over 300 teachers joined the demonstration, demanding their jobs back. The blockade left commuters and transport workers in extreme distress.
Truck driver Habib Ullah said, “I have been stuck here since 7am, and it is now noon – I have not been able to move an inch. My truck is loaded with perishable goods, and if I can not unload them in time, everything will go to waste.”
Protesting teacher Shameem Ahmed said, “We have been teaching Rohingya students for years. Now, UNICEF has abruptly terminated 4,000 teachers, citing fund shortages. We were given assurances before, but nothing happened. We demand justice and immediate reinstatement.”
Local authorities, including police, army personnel, and administrative officers, arrived at the scene to negotiate with the protesters. However, no immediate statement was issued by UNICEF or other responsible agencies.
Ukhia Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Mohammad Kamrul Hossain Chowdhury told reporters, “The terminated teachers began their protest this morning by blocking the Kotbazar intersection. We are handling the matter seriously. Discussions are ongoing with the demonstrators to resolve the issue peacefully.”
He added, “We are in contact with the relevant development organizations to find a permanent and acceptable solution. At the same time, we are working to minimize public suffering.”