Primary teachers launch continuous strike over 3 key demands

Government primary school assistant teachers across Bangladesh have begun a phased work stoppage from Monday, May 5, to press home three key demands, including salary upgrades to the 11th grade.

Under the banner of the Primary Assistant Teachers’ Unity Council, they announced that the initial phase would involve a daily one-hour work abstention until May 15. If unmet, the protest will intensify to two hours (May 16–20), then half-day strikes (May 21–25), and from May 26 onward, a full-day indefinite strike.

Their demands include, placing assistant teachers in the 11th pay grade as per the government consultation committee's recommendations, resolving delays in receiving higher pay grades after 10 and 16 years of service, ensuring 100% promotion of assistant teachers to headteacher roles.

Council leader Mohammad Shamsuddin Masud stated, “The government has not opened any dialogue yet, so we are forced to begin the strike.”

The movement has gained support from other teacher groups, including the Assistant Teachers’ Grade-10 Implementation Coordination Council.