The Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers’ Association on Sunday declared an all-out work stoppage at public universities across the country from Monday, as the government did not remove them from the “Prottoy” scheme of the universal pension system by the deadline set by the organization.
This all-out work abstention will not only be limited to classes but will extend into examinations and administration work.
Public university teachers have been vocal against the Prottoy scheme since it was launched earlier this year.
In a notification, the federation said it had been carrying out peaceful programs for more than three months, demanding the withdrawal of the “discriminatory pension scheme” and introducing a separate pay scale for teachers.
Dr Md Nizamul Hoque Buiyan, secretary general of the federation and president of the Dhaka University Teachers Association, said: "We have not yet received any assurance from any level of the government about our demands. As a result, following our pre-announced program, we are proceeding with a full-day work abstention on Sunday and an all-out work abstention from Monday."
Later in the day, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury said the situation would be monitored, and further decisions would be made accordingly.
Dhaka University suspends exams amid teachers' protestIn response to a question from journalists, he said: “University teachers have a distinct place of honour and respect in society. They are not considered government employees and are free to express opinions on various issues.”
What is in the scheme?
Under the current scheme, employees are entitled to a gratuity as a retirement benefit at the end of service.
When an employee retires, he/she receives a large sum as a gratuity. Half the gratuity comes to the employee immediately upon retirement, and the rest is paid in instalments. For the gratuity, no portion of the amount is deducted from the salary. Gratuity depends on employees’ position and number of years in service.
Prof Mahbubur Rahman, president of the Chittagong University Teachers Association, said: “Our current pension is not contributory. No money is deducted from the monthly salary for pension purposes.”
Under the recently introduced Prottoy scheme, 10% of the basic salary or a maximum of Tk5,000, or whichever is less, would be deducted monthly, and the same amount would be provided by the employer.
According to an amendment to the Universal Pension Scheme Management Act, the Prottoy scheme will be applied to the employees serving all self-governed, autonomous, state-owned, statutory, or homogeneous organizations and their subordinate bodies who would join in such service on July 1, 2024.
What are the teachers saying?
Pension scheme: Public university teachers to go on strike from MondayProf Shahed Rana, general secretary of Jahangirnagar University Teachers Association, said: “We are already under a pension scheme. Initially, the Universal Pension Scheme was for those who did not have any pension benefits. We welcomed the scheme because it was excellent for those who did not receive any pension.”
Dr Md Mizanur Rahaman, joint secretary of Dhaka University Teachers Association, said university teachers did not agree with the Prottoy scheme as it is not better than the current pension scheme.
Mizanur claimed the protesting teachers wanted to return to the classroom and said: “Teachers do not want to leave the classroom. The duties of a teacher are to give lectures, take examinations and do research. But they are observing work abstention out of necessity.”
Meanwhile, Dr Shahed Rana said: “We do not want the Universal Pension Scheme to be dismantled; it should only be applied to those who are not included in the current pension system. It provides social and economic security, and we welcome that. However, we cannot allow us to be included in it as we are already under a pension scheme.”
What is the National Pension Authority saying?
“Previously it was an unfunded defined benefit system, but now the government is reforming the system to a defined contribution scheme,” said Md Golam Mostofa, a member of the National Pension Authority (NPA).
Under defined contribution schemes, the government and employees pay a portion. The money is then invested, and retired employees get a pension based on the contribution and return on that investment.
Mostofa said: “Now the employees of most autonomous institutions are under the contributory provident fund system; they are entitled to get a gratuity but do not get any pension. There are 403 autonomous institutions, but only around 80-90 are under a pension scheme.
“Many countries had defined benefit pension schemes but have now switched to defined contribution schemes.”
DU, JnU teachers demand cancellation of universal pension schemeHe added that private sector employees and the general public were outside of a structured pension system. Under the Universal Pension Scheme, all citizens of Bangladesh are eligible for a structured pension system.
“Those who are working now will be under a defined benefit system. Their benefits will not be curtailed; they will get the same benefits as they are getting now.”
Discrimination
As only teachers who join work after July 1 will be under the Prottoy scheme, university teachers believe this will create division.
DU’s Prof Md Mahbubur Rahman Mahbubur said teachers were not isolated from each other, and if there were two types of schemes, it would create inequality among them. “This will create two classes [of teachers] in an institution, which is not at all desirable.”
The teachers noted another discriminatory aspect of this scheme.
Dr Shahed Rana said: “We see students preparing for BCS exams in their dorms, libraries and rooms…it (civil service) offers some facilities that university teachers do not enjoy. In other jobs, one can take out a car loan when one reaches Grade-5, whereas we do not have these benefits even in Grade-1. Some students still enter the [teaching] profession because they are interested in it. When this scheme comes into effect, they will be demotivated.
“If it is truly universal, it should be for everyone.”
On the other hand, Golam Mostofa mentioned that the finance minister had said in his budget speech that government employees who joined work on July 1 or later would come under the Universal Pension Scheme. “So everyone will be on the same level.”
Demographic dividends
Bangladesh is enjoying a demographic dividend as most of its citizens are working-age population. According to studies, the demographic dividend window will close between 2033-2040.
Mostofa said: “After 2040, the demographic dividend will gradually decrease. So this is the right time to introduce a sustainable pension system for all citizens of Bangladesh.
“As the unfunded, defined benefit system is not sustainable, most countries in the world are exercising a defined contribution scheme.”
Meanwhile, Dr Md Mizanur Rahaman of DU said: “Before making an announcement, the authorities should have discussed the policy with us.”
DU, JU teachers to suspend classes if Universal Pension Scheme not withdrawnMizanur claimed that there had been no discussion with university teachers before the announcement, adding: “We should have had a chance to contribute to the policy. We want to sit with the highest authority to explain our end.”
What lies ahead?
The teachers fear that the Prottoy scheme will discourage the next generation of brilliant minds from choosing teaching as a profession.
Dr Mahbubur Rahman said: “Being a university teacher is not just about occupation; research is another important aspect. Research helps knowledge, science, and the state move forward.
“When there is a division between government employees and university teachers in the pension system, it will discourage meritorious students from entering this profession. This will hinder the country’s future education, research and development.”
Dr Mizanur said university teachers in Bangladesh already received fewer benefits compared to other countries. “We function with all these limitations. Everybody wants financial safety. The only benefit we have is the assurance of a pension. Talented students will not consider the profession if we do not have pensions. The quality of education will decrease in the long run as a result.”
Dr Rana said: “The age limit for university teachers is 65 years, while this pension scheme is for 60 years. What pension scheme will be applied for the last five years?”
To allay this concern, Mostofa of the NPA said the government could address this anytime, adding that it was just a matter of amending the law.
“It is not a big issue,” he added.
