Public university teachers in Bangladesh have initiated an indefinite strike, demanding exclusion from a controversial pension scheme, “Prottoy.” The strike has led to a complete halt to academic and administrative activities at all public universities.
This strike has raised significant concerns among students, particularly regarding their semester exams and classes.
The deadlock stems from the teachers’ and staff boycott of classes and examinations, as they demand the withdrawal of the notification for the universal pension scheme “Prottoy” and the formulation of a separate pay scale for teachers.
The Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers Association, an organization representing public university teachers, confirmed that despite giving the government until June 30 to remove them from the scheme, no assurance has been received from the authorities to meet their demands.
The indefinite strike has left students in a state of uncertainty.
Miftaul Jannat Hridi, a student of Dhaka University, expressed her concern, said: “During the 2024 general election, our semester was shrunk to three months only, and we had the final examination in the fourth month. Most students did not achieve their expected results due to the short semester.”
Similarly, Sabir Uddin, a student of Chittagong University from the 2020-2021 batch, lamented the loss of 18 months due to the pandemic and additional delays.
“We are already six months behind. We have a scheduled exam now, but with the strike, the exam will likely be rescheduled. Some students are preparing for the next BCS. If this continues, we will lose the opportunity to sit the BCS exams and deal with other job circulars,” Sabir said.
Teachers also have acknowledged the impact of the strike on students.
Jagannath University Teachers Association General Secretary Dr Shaikh Masrick Hasan, said: “We are not against the students. Teachers will take extra classes and exams to keep the students updated with the curriculum.”
Prof Dr Mahbubur Rahman, president of the Chittagong University Teachers Association, emphasized that the protest is for the benefit of the students.
“We are not being affected by the scheme. But the meritorious students who will be the next generation of teachers will suffer from this scheme,” he said.
Dr Mahbubur Rahman, urging the authorities to find an immediate solution, said: “We don’t want our students to suffer. We do not want to leave the classroom and laboratory and protest on the streets. It is also uncomfortable for us.”
Besides the removal of the Prottoy scheme, the teachers’ federation is demanding the inclusion of teachers in the super grade and separate pay scales.
