The teachers of Rajshahi University (RU) and Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (Ruet) observed a half-day work abstention on Tuesday, demanding the cancellation of the new universal pension scheme issued by the finance ministry, terming it discriminatory.
RU and Ruet teachers gathered in front of the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Senate Building and held the program near the Administration Building.
They observed the half-day work abstention according to the pre-announced program of the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Association (FBUTA).
They also demanded the introduction of separate pay scales and separate supergrades for university teachers.
DU, JnU teachers demand cancellation of universal pension schemeProf Habibur Rahman, president of RU Teachers' Association, said: "We stand here not for ourselves, but for the protection of our students. For those who will come into this profession in the future. At the same time, today's program is to protect the university, society and the country.
“If no effective steps are taken to withdraw the pension scheme by June 24, and if university teachers are not included in the super grade and a separate pay scale for teachers is not introduced, a half-day work abstention will be observed in all public universities of Bangladesh on June 25, 26, and 27,” he added.
He further said: “A full-day work abstention will be observed on June 30, and an all-out work abstention will be observed in the public universities from July 1 until the demands are realized.”
Ruet Teachers' Association (Acting) President Shahed Hasan Khan said: "Teachers are called artisans of making people. However, the discriminatory pension notification issued by the government has discriminated against university teachers. If our demands are not met, we will go on a full-day strike.”
Teachers from different departments of both universities were present in two separate programs.
Earlier, the teachers organized a human chain on May 26 and a two-hour strike on May 28.
