Hasina hits out at demonstrating public university teachers

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has criticised the agitating public university teachers, saying there was no need for them to hit the streets.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 4 Oct 2015, 12:06 PM
Updated : 4 Oct 2015, 12:06 PM

She suggested they should not take their increased salaries until their demonstration ends.

Hasina reminded them that the government increased salaries by 91 percent in the latest pay scale.

“I think we have given too much… We should have given them a little less.”

Public university’s selection-grade professors enjoyed the top grade in the seventh pay scale with secretaries while senior professors were included in grade-2 and professors in grade-3.

The government approved the new pay scale last month with a highest basic pay of Tk 78,000 and a minimum of Tk 8,250.

In the eighth pay scale, selection-grade professors and senior professors have been included in grade-1 with secretaries while a separate special grade has been created for senior secretaries.

Agitating teachers allege the professors had been put a step below the bureaucrats.

Teachers of 37 public universities have been demonstrating to press for a four-point charter of demand, including a separate pay scale.

“Why would the teachers demonstrate?” the prime minister asked at Sunday’s media briefing. “Even if they do (demonstrate), they have no right to stop the education of our children.”

She pointed out that the retirement age for bureaucrats was 59 while it was 65 for public university teachers, who also have the opportunity to work at private universities.

“We’ll have to make everything equal if you want equality,” she told the teachers. “We have to reduce the retirement age. Decide that you won’t draw hiked salaries until your demonstration ends.”

The government has tasked a panel, led by Finance Minister AMA Muhith, to look into complaints by public university teachers who allege they got a raw deal in the pay scale structure.

It will make recommendations after reviewing ‘unresolved issues’ and allegations of ‘discrimination’.

The prime minister said there was nothing that needed her intervention.

“The finance minister and education minister will look into the matter. A committee has been formed to this end,” she said. “I request (teachers) not to destroy the future of our children.”