Primary Schools Face Disruption as Assistant Teachers Launch Nationwide ‘Shut-Down’

A significant number of assistant teachers in government primary schools across Bangladesh have begun enforcing a full-scale work stoppage, demanding a rise in pay and the fulfilment of three major demands. As part of their movement, they initiated a ‘complete shutdown’ programme on Wednesday, causing widespread disruption to annual examinations for the third consecutive day.

Although many schools—particularly in Dhaka—conducted examinations as per schedule, a large number elsewhere remained closed. At some schools, headteachers struggled to continue assessments with minimal staff support, while in others, premises were found locked altogether.

Government primary schools in Bangladesh are jointly operated by headteachers and assistant teachers. The country currently has 65,569 government primary schools, serving over ten million pupils. The approved number of assistant teacher posts stands at 369,216, of which 352,208 are presently filled.

The agitation, organised by the “Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council”, began on 27 November. On Monday, the group intensified its stance by announcing a boycott of annual examinations. This was followed by the launch of the confrontational ‘complete shutdown’ across schools.

In several schools in Meherpur, agitating teachers hung padlocks on school gates and classroom doors. When reporters visited various institutions during the morning, they found pupils gathered helplessly outside, unable to sit their scheduled examinations. Many children, accompanied by anxious parents, eventually returned home with frustration and disappointment clearly visible.

Azmail Hossain, a fourth-grader at Gangni Uttarpara Government Primary School, said, “I came to sit my exam but saw that the classroom was locked. I’m going back home now.”

Hamidul Islam, an assistant teacher at Nowpara Government Primary School, explained that union leaders had instructed them not to conduct examinations, leaving them with no choice but to comply. Gangni Upazila’s primary education officer, S. M. Joynul Islam, confirmed that they had reported the locking of schools to higher authorities and would act upon receiving instructions.

The situation appears mixed across regions. In Sylhet, speaking to headteachers of three primary schools revealed that assistant teachers were present and not participating in the ‘shutdown’. Annual examinations began on 1 December in the area.

Elsewhere, headteachers reported severe difficulties. Nazmul Haider, headteacher of Dharmpasha No. 2 Government Primary School in Sunamganj, and Rafiqul Islam, headteacher of Saudpara Government Primary School in Madhyanagar, both said that examinations started on 2 December, but they were managing them “by any means possible” due to the absence of assistant teachers.

In contrast, numerous schools in Dhaka reported no disruption. During a morning visit to Nilkhet Government Primary School, children were seen taking their exams. Headteacher Jannatul Naeema confirmed that examinations were continuing strictly according to schedule and would conclude on 10 December.

Another teachers’ platform, the “Assistant Teachers’ Organisation Unity Council”, which had earlier observed a strike from 23 to 27 November, has announced that it too will begin a ‘school lockdown’ from Thursday. Its convenor, Anisur Rahman, said the move was necessary to press for the same set of demands.

The assistant teachers’ three demands include: elevation to grade 11 of the national pay scale, resolving complications in receiving higher grades upon completion of 10 and 16 years of service, and ensuring 100 per cent departmental promotion from assistant teacher to headteacher. Presently, assistant teachers fall within grade 13, with a starting basic salary of 11,000 taka.

Government’s Response

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education issued a press statement on Wednesday ordering teachers to withdraw their work stoppage immediately and return to duty. The ministry stated that a formal request had been submitted to the Pay Commission to consider upgrading assistant teachers to grade 11. During a meeting held on 10 November, the Finance Division reportedly confirmed that steps would be taken once the Pay Commission’s recommendations were received. Letters concerning higher-grade entitlement at 10 and 16 years of service, along with 100 per cent promotional opportunities for headteacher posts, have already been sent to the Finance and Public Administration ministries.

The ministry further expressed concern over reports of teachers obstructing examinations and, in some cases, physically assaulting colleagues willing to administer tests. Such conduct, it noted, violated government service rules, codes of conduct and criminal law. All assistant teachers have therefore been instructed to resume duties immediately and ensure the smooth completion of third-term examinations. Legal action will be taken against those engaged in misconduct.

It has also been confirmed that several teachers have already been issued show-cause notices.