Assistant teachers at government primary schools across the country launched a full-day work abstention today for an indefinite period to press home their three-point demand, including fixing their starting salary to the 11th grade of the national pay scale.

The strike, led by Oikya Parishad, follows a half-day work abstention that ended on May 25. 

Mohammad Shamsuddin Masud, president of the Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers Association, said that the teachers are determined to keep pressing for change.

Over the past month, the protest gradually intensified, with teachers first observing hourly strikes, then progressing to two-hour walkouts, followed by a half-day strike.

The assistant teachers are demanding salary restructuring to secure Grade 11 as the entry-level position for their role. They also want promotion criteria simplified and faster career progression.

Another demand includes granting all assistant teachers eligibility for promotion to head teacher positions and ensuring schools remain closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Teachers are also calling for the exclusive participation of government school students in primary scholarship exams.

SMS/