University teachers go on strike in protest

Teachers and employees of public universities across the country went on an indefinite strike on Monday in protest against the 'Prottoy' pension scheme, bringing their academic and administrative activities to a halt.
However, the protesters demanded the withdrawal of the universal pension scheme terming it discriminatory.
Meanwhile, the pension scheme introduced by the government came into force on July 01 amid the protests.
Teachers under the banner of the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Association were observing the work abstention.
Earlier on Sunday, the federation announced the programme from a press conference at the main gate of Arts Faculty of Dhaka University to press home their demands.
Besides, the Dhaka University Teachers Association (DUTA) issued a notice addressing the teachers of the university on Sunday.
Classes and exams, including regular, evening programmes, professional programmes, online and offline classes and administrative activities have been suspended at all public universities, including Dhaka University, Chittagong University, Rajshahi University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Jagannath University, Jahangirnagar University and Khulna University.
Chairman offices, hall provost offices, research centres, institutes, central library, dean offices, computer labs and seminars also remained closed.
As part of the all-out programme, the teachers and employees of Dhaka University started an all-out work abstention.
DU administrative activities came to a standstill with all the classes remained suspended.
Jagannath University Teachers' Association General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mashrick Hasan threatened, "If our demands are not met, we will go on a complete work abstention."
"Till now, our demands haven't been accepted. So classes, examinations and all other official works will remain suspended."
CU Vice-Chancellor Professor Benu Kumi Dey said, "We have requested teachers to continue classes. However, they refused do so."
Teacher leaders expressed concerns that the public pension scheme would deter talented individuals from joining the teaching profession.
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury said on Sunday that his ministry is monitoring the strike.
"Considering the situation, necessary measures will be taken from the ministry in due course," he said.
He made the remarks while replying to a question from journalists at a briefing organised on HSC and equivalent exams at Segunbagicha in the capital.
The Universal Pension Scheme started its journey on August 17, 2023 with four schemes: Prabasti, Pragati, Suraksha and Equality.
Later, a new scheme, Prottoy, was introduced for the officers and employees of all autonomous and state-owned organisations.
Despite attractive return scope after the specific tenure, people are enrolling in very slow space due to a lack of trust in the funds returning, said economists and sector insiders.