The United alliance of Teachers and Employees, a pro-BNP teachers’ organisation, has announced that it would hold its prescheduled rally at Suhrawardi Udyan on October 24, despite a police ban on gatherings in the capital.
Chairman of the Alliance Salim Bhuiyan told the Dhaka Tribune they would hold the rally even if they do not get permission.
“All our preparations are complete. About 200,000 teachers across the country are set to attend the rally,” he said.
“Since the government gave permission to Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad, a pro-BNP professional body, to hold a rally on Sunday, why would it not give permission to us?” he added.
However, insiders of the organisation told the Dhaka Tribune that teachers were divided over defying the ban.
The divide became apparent on Sunday as two conflicting statements were issued by the organisation.
At 2:11pm, the Alliance issued a statement saying the October 24 rally was postponed, as the government did not give them permission. The statement also condemned the government decision, calling it undemocratic.
At 3:35pm, the organisation issued another statement saying the rally would be held on October 24 as previously announced.
Alliance Chairman Salim, however, said they had postponed their previously announced strike from October 22 to October 26 in all non-government educational institutions.
Earlier this month, the organisation announced that it would hold a rally on October 24 and observe strike from October 22 to 26.
They have several demands that include nationalisation of jobs. However, some teachers said they mainly wanted to show off their strength since the tenure of the government was about to end.
Students and their guardians have expressed concern about the strike and the movement as annual examinations in schools will start from late November.
Many guardians told the Dhaka Tribune that students had already missed out several classes due to political chaos throughout the year.
The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education earlier said it would take necessary actions if the students’ interests are harmed.