Published: 01:53 AM, 22 November 2025
Pry teachers deadline govt on 'promises'
'Primary Teachers Demand Implementation Council' holds a press confrence at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday. -Agency
Government primary school assistant teachers have set a Nov 29 deadline for authorities to implement "assurances" on salary increase and higher-grade promotion.
On Friday, the teachers also demanded state compensation and full pension for the family of Fatema Akter, who fell ill and died following police action with batons and stun grenades during protests on Nov 8. They have called for state-funded treatment for all injured staff.
The protesters warned that if the three assurances are not fulfilled, the family compensated, and medical care arranged for the injured, they will resume continuous strikes from Nov 30.
The announcement was made at a press conference by the teachers' alliance "Primary Teachers Demand Implementation Council" at the National Press Club, bdnews24 reports. Since Nov 8, teachers have maintained a continuous sit-in at Dhaka's Central Shaheed Minar over grade, salary, and promotion issues.
On that day, they attempted a march towards Shahbagh while observing a pen-strike programme.
Police intercepted them outside Shahbagh Police Station, using tear gas shells, water cannons, and batons, forcing them to return to Shaheed Minar.
Several teachers were injured, prompting a strike from the following day. On Nov 10, officials from finance and primary and mass education ministries met the teachers, promising pay at 11th grade and measures to resolve higher-grade promotion issues. Following that, the strike was temporarily withdrawn.
Later, Fatema Akter, an assistant teacher from Jhinaia Government Primary School in Chandpur's Matlab North Upazila, died while under treatment in a Dhaka hospital.
At the briefing, council Convenor Md Shamsuddin Masud said: "If the three assurances given during the the 10th of November meeting are not implemented or visible progress is not made, a full-day strike will resume from the 30th of November until our demands are met.
He paid tribute to the late teacher, saying: "We express deep sorrow and sympathy for the dead and her family. At the same time, we strongly condemn the inhumane attack on teachers during the protests."
