Primary asst teachers' fast-unto-death enters in 2nd day

Trained assistant teachers of government primary schools are continuing their fast-unto-death for the second consecutive day today (Sunday) demanding adjustment of their pay scale with the head teachers.

The programme began on Central Shaheed Minar premises in Dhaka at 10am on Saturday. The teachers spent night there.

Meanwhile, 15 teachers fell sick during the strike. Among them, eight were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Bangladesh Primary Assistant Teachers' Association president Anisur Rahman said "Our demand is logical. But it was not met yet despite authorities' assurance on various occasions. We'll continue the hunger strike until the demand is met."

Called by Bangladesh Primary Assistant Teachers Oikya Jote, eight organisations of teachers are taking part in the programme protesting their salary discrimination.

The trained assistant teachers are demanding that their pay scale be fixed at the 11th grade adjusting to the 10th grade of the head teachers.

TF/LY