Jahangirnagar University Teachers’ Association (JUTA) has announced a six-day work abstention programme as their demands regarding the Eighth National Pay Scale have not been met yet. The abstention starts today.
Following a decision made by Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers’ Associations (FBUTA), JUTA called for the work abstention through a press release issued yesterday and signed by JUTA General Secretary Prof Mafruhi Sattar, our JU correspondent reported
According to the press note, the work abstention starts today and will continue until January 2 to prevent salary discrimination against the teachers and protect their dignity as the assurances regarding the pay scale have yet to be fulfilled.
The teachers’ body made the decision at an emergency general meeting around 12pm yesterday, the statement said.
At the meeting, the teachers hoped that in order to protect the rights of teachers, the strict inconsistencies in the new pay scale will be eliminated.
However, if the assurances of eliminating discrimination in the pay scale are not fulfilled, the teachers will not be responsible for the aftermath, the note said.
“If the assurances are yet to be fulfilled, the teachers would not take the responsibilities for the aftermath,” the press release said.
While contacted, JUTA general secretary confirmed the matter to the Dhaka Tribune and said JUTA would set further plan of action in the next meeting, which is likely to be held on January 3.
FBUTA threatens with shutdown
Meanwhile, the FBUTA has threatened to shut down the academic and administrative operations in all public universities if their demand for a new and separate pay scale for teachers in public universities is not met within January 2, our DU correspondent reported.
Addressing a press conference at Dhaka University yesterday morning, FBUTA President Farid Uddin Ahmed said: “We have been cheated by Finance Minister AMA Muhith; he assured us of meeting our demands earlier, but he did not.”
Farid Uddin said the shut down would take place in all 37 public universities around the country until their demands are not met.
FBUTA General Secretary Prof Maksud Kamal urged the finance minister to resign from his post as a minister. “It would be beneficial for the whole country if he resigned.”
He also urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to consider their issues seriously and find a solution.
