Highlights
- A primary school teacher says low salary keeps them from getting married
- Ongoing nationwide teachers’ protest enters third day
- Teachers demand implementation of 10th grade and better pay
- Meeting held with Finance Ministry to resolve the issue
Teacher Shares His Pain During Protest
A protesting Primary School Teacher has shared his frustration about the low salary of primary school teachers, saying that because of it, no one wants to marry them. He revealed that even at the age of fifty, he remains unmarried due to this social stigma. He said,
“প্রাইমারি শিক্ষকদের বেতন কম তাই কেউ প্রাইমারি শিক্ষকদের কাছে মেয়ে বিয়ে দিতে চায় না, তাই আমার বয়স প্রায় পঞ্চাশ হয়ে গেল এখনো বিয়ে করতে পারিনি।”
Translation: “The salary of primary teachers is so low that no one wants to give their daughters to them. That’s why, even at almost fifty, I couldn’t get married.”
He further explained that every time a marriage discussion begins, it ends when people learn about his profession.
“যখনই বিয়ের আলাপ শুরু হয়, তখনই মেয়ের বাবারা বলেন, কিভাবে একজন প্রাইমারি শিক্ষকের কাছে মেয়ে বিয়ে দেব। আমরা যে চাকরি করি এখানে কোনো ঘুষ নেই, মেয়ের বাবারা চাচ্ছেন একজন পাত্র, তাঁর ঘুষের টাকা আছে কি না এবং সে ভালো বেতনে চাকরি করে কি না।”
Translation: “Whenever a marriage talk begins, the girl’s father asks, ‘How can we marry our daughter to a primary school teacher?’ In our job, there’s no bribe or extra income — but they prefer a groom who earns well or takes bribes.”
Nationwide Teachers’ Movement Continues
The Primary School Teacher’ protest for better pay and grade upgrade continues across the country. On Monday (November 10) afternoon, a meeting was scheduled with the Finance Ministry to discuss resolving the issue.
“Grow smarter, not harder — ঝামেলামুক্ত অনলাইন ব্যবসার শুরু করুন Storola দিয়ে ”
If the government meets their demands, the teachers have said they will suspend their protest and sit-in programs.
Three-Point Demand and Leadership
This ongoing movement is part of the third day of the protest organized by the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council. Teachers across Bangladesh are joining the program by attending schools but refraining from work.
The protest is being led by:
- Md. Abul Kasem, President of Bangladesh Primary Teachers Association (Kasem–Shahin)
- Khayrun Nahar Lipi, General Secretary of Bangladesh Primary Teachers Association (Shahin–Lipi)
- Md. Shamsuddin Masud, Central President of Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers Association
- Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Coordinator of the 10th Grade Implementation Committee
Support and Reactions
Assistant teacher Md. Mohib Ullah, who was among those recommended in the third phase of recruitment, said that they are still participating actively in the protest.
Meanwhile, several organizations across the country have condemned police action against teachers during the earlier stages of the protest.
Background of the Protest
The movement began on Saturday (November 8) when teachers started their sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, demanding implementation of the 10th grade and other related benefits.
After alleged police attacks on the first day, teachers began a nationwide strike from Sunday (November 9). The protests and work stoppage are continuing simultaneously in Dhaka and across the country.
Source: Kaler Kantho
