Government warns of legal action against primary teachers’ ‘complete shutdown’

In protest against show-cause notices to teacher leaders, some teachers stage demonstrations outside Upazila education offices

The education authorities have ordered government primary school teachers to return to classrooms and conduct annual examinations, warning that failure to comply could result in action under the service law, conduct rules, and criminal law.

The directive comes as assistant teachers stage a “complete shutdown” in protest over delayed implementation of their demands, including promotion to the 11th pay grade and resolution of grade-related issues after 10 and 16 years of service.

Since Monday, scheduled annual exams have been disrupted in many schools, with teacher alliances insisting their programme will continue until demands are met.

On Wednesday, the Primary Teacher Demand Implementation Council, representing four teacher organisations, enforced a full work stoppage in government primary schools, though some schools saw exams proceed with head teachers taking initiative.

Protesting show-cause notices issued to teacher leaders, striking staff also held demonstrations outside Upazila education offices.

The council’s Convenor Mohammad Shamsuddin Masud said the strike would continue on Thursday until 11th-grade pay assurances are implemented.

Another teacher alliance, the Primary Assistant Teacher Unity Council, has threatened to lock schools from Thursday to press for the same demands.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education’s media statement highlighted progress on these issues, noting that letters had been sent to the finance and public administration ministries to meet the demands.

The primary and mass education advisor personally discussed the matters with the finance advisor and Pay Commission chair, it added.