Photo: Bonik Barta The
Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers’ Association (FBUTA) has started
observing a total work abstention from July 1 till infinite time demanding the
withdrawal of the ‘Prottoy Scheme’ which they claimed as discriminatory and
unacceptable.
At
a press conference on Sunday (June 30) at the main entrance of the Arts
Building of Dhaka University (DU) the total work abstention was declared by the
FBUTA. Earlier, the teachers of the public universities had observed a half-day
and full-day strike for the same demand, however, exams were excluded from
these programs. But, this time, they will refrain from all academic and
administrative activities, including classes and exams, FBUTA announced.
In
a written statement, mentioning the demerits of the particular scheme, the
teachers’ said, “If the Prottoy Scheme is implemented, it will affect those
students who are interested in joining academia. Our movement is in favor of protecting
the interests of the future young generation of the country and against the
conspiracy to destroy the higher education system.”
Dr
Nizamul Hoque Buiyan, the Secretary General of the FBUTA and President of Dhaka
University Teachers’ Association read the written statement at the press conference
on Sunday (June 30). Besides, Md Akhtarul Islam presided over the press conference.
Dr
Nizamul Hoque Buiyan said, “This scheme is discriminatory. A group of
government officials has misled the Prime Minister to start over such a scheme.
Teachers want to live with dignity. After trying to talk with the concerned
officials in various ways in this matter, we are left with no choice but to go
for an all-in-one movement.”
Expressing
solidarity with the comprehensive strike of the FBUTA, the Dhaka University
Teachers Association (DUTA) announced the program on Sunday (June 30) where the
General Secretary of the DUTA Dr Zeenat Huda said that the teachers have rejected
the discriminatory ‘Prottoy Scheme’.
“In
protest against the imposition of the Prottoy Scheme on teachers, we will not
participate in any ‘Dhaka University Day’ programs,” she added.
Prof
Dr Md Omar Faruk Sarker, General Secretary of Rajshahi University Teachers
Association told Bonik Barta, “Government is reducing teachers’ facilities
continuously. For example, when we started our jobs, an increment was given
upon joining, which is no longer the case. Previously, an increment was given
for obtaining a PhD, but now it is not. The session benefits have also been
canceled. And finally, we have been excluded from the existing pension system
for government employees. Due to these reasons, we are seeing talented
individuals leaning towards other jobs, including BCS. If these continuous, talented
individuals will not come into teaching.”
The
FBUTA remained vocal against the Prottoy Scheme since its announcement by the
Finance Ministry on May 13. Their protests include the withdrawal of the
Prottoy Scheme notification, the inclusion of university teachers in super
grade, and the introduction of a separate pay scale for teachers. To achieve
these demands, the teachers have observed a half-day strike on June 25, 26, and
27. On June 30, they observed a full-day strike.
Meanwhile,
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury said that a decision will be taken
after monitoring the matter. In a press conference held at the International
Mother Language Institute in the capital on June 30 afternoon, organized on the
HSC and equivalent exams, the minister said, “I am not commenting on the
potential deadlock at the university at this moment.” They announced a program.
If this deadlock starts from July 1 (Monday), then we will take action
according to the situation.”
The Education Minister also said, “University teachers have shown us a comparative picture explaining why they are reluctant to join the universal pension scheme. We have also shared various observations from our side with them. These are still under discussion.”
