Teachers call off 'March to Jamuna', announce hunger strike from Friday
"Many political leaders who have been in touch with us advised against the march, warning that it could create chaos and that opportunists might exploit the situation," Alliance for Nationalisation of MPO-listed Education Member Secretary Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi says
Highlights
- Teachers suspend "March to Jamuna"
- Hunger strike to begin 2pm Friday
- Teachers reject 5% offer, stick to demands.
Teachers and employees of MPO-listed educational institutions have suspended their planned "March to Jamuna", announcing instead that they will begin a hunger strike from 2pm Friday (17 October) if their demands remain unmet.
The Alliance for Nationalisation of MPO-listed Education Member Secretary Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi made the announcement at a press briefing at the Central Shaheed Minar this evening (16 October).
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He said, "Many political leaders who have been in touch with us advised against the march, warning that it could create chaos and that opportunists might exploit the situation. Considering their suggestions, we have decided to postpone march towards Jamuna for now."
Announcing their new programme, Azizi said, "Alongside our continuous sit-in, we will begin a hunger strike from 2pm tomorrow. If the government still ignores our demands, we will move towards an indefinite hunger strike."
He added, "Since Friday and Saturday are holidays, all educational institutions will remain closed, and from Sunday, we will start our continuous work abstention. No classes or exams will be held until our demands are met."
The teachers has been demonstrating for their three-point demand — a 20% house rent allowance (minimum Tk3,000), a Tk1,500 medical allowance, and a 75% festival bonus for all MPO-listed teachers and staff.
Earlier in the day, a delegation of teachers held a meeting at the Ministry of Education.
Regarding the discussion held with the education adviser, Azizi told the media, "They proposed a 5% increase in house rent, but we rejected that offer. Our three-point demand must be implemented starting this month."
He said, "We do not want to put the government in a difficult position, nor do we want to create chaos. We want to return to classrooms by making some compromises. We proposed that the circular would announce a 20% pay raise, 10% to be implemented from this budget and the remaining 10% from the next. But they have not budged an inch from their position. They have remained firm on the 5% increment."
"The education adviser has made a mockery of the discussion with us," he added.
He further said, "If needed, our bodies will go from the Shaheed Minar, but we will not leave without the circular being issued. We are giving the government time until 5pm."
Addressing the chief adviser, Azizi added, "Please resolve the issue by 5pm. If our appeal is not considered, we will be compelled to march towards the chief adviser's residence."
The protesters began their sit-in this morning at the Central Shaheed Minar, vowing to continue until their demands are met.
Before the meeting, one of the protesting teachers said, "If our demands are not accepted in the meeting, we will launch a one-point movement and march towards Jamuna."
The one-point demand is: "Nationalisation of private educational institutions."
The protests began on Sunday (12 October) in front of the National Press Club, joined by hundreds of teachers and employees from across the country.
However, police dispersed the demonstrators using batons, sound grenades, and water cannons, forcing them to move to the Central Shaheed Minar-Shahbagh area, where they have continued their demonstration since Monday.
Teachers said they would not end their sit-in until the government gives a clear commitment to fulfil their demands.
