JnU Correspondent

The Jagannath University teachers observed a half-day strike and sit-in program for the third consecutive day demanding cancellation of the 'Prottoy’ ' scheme of the universal pension scheme, inclusion of the university teachers in the promised super grade and introduction of individual pay scale for teachers. They announced an all-out shutdown from July 1 if their demands are not met.

On Thursday (June 27), General secretary of Jagannath University Teachers Association Dr. Sheikh Mashrick Hasan announced this.

Mashrick Hasan said, “Pension is a social security, as well as our life. The state should guarantee it. But we are not getting this benefit. On the contrary, conventional facilities are being eroded. In this discriminatory scheme, it is said that the government will give us pension up to 75 years. But if after this there is sickness and grief, then what will happen to us? Pension is a civil right. We are being denied this right.”

He also added, “If such insecurity fills, talented students will lose interest in the teaching profession. Those who are trying to demoralize this state must be stopped. We are demanding the cancellation of the Prottoy scheme on behalf of the teachers association.

I am also appealing to the government to adopt new policies. All deans, chairmen and teachers are requested to cancel the exams and classes. We will conduct only the examination program till 30th June. If our demands are not met from 1st of July, we will stop everything. All out shutdown activities will continue from 1st July.”

In the program, the acting president of the university's English department, Professor Dr. Mominuddin said, "It is sad for us, for the government and for this nation that the teachers' society has come to the streets." Today we have to enter the field for our social status and security. We are agitating for future teachers. Our movement is for our students.”

He also added, “In this discriminatory pension scheme, teachers will retire at 60 years, which was earlier 65 years. Again those who will be new teachers, they will be deprived of this pension facility.

Those who are recruited earlier will get pension, and the new recruits will be deprived, it is unfair. So my appeal to all the teachers-students is that we all will participate in this movement spontaneously. If our demand is not met within 30th June, we are announcing closure of all activities of the university from next 1st of July.”

It is to be noted that, according to the pre-announced program of the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Association, the teachers held a strike from 8:30 am to 1 pm and a sit-in program from 12:15 to 1:15 on the call of the Jagannath University Teachers' Association.

Other teachers of the university spoke in the program under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Mominuddin, chairman of the Department of English. Teachers of various departments and institutes along with the leaders of teachers' associations were present on the programme.