Protracted Prottoy scheme protests lead to semester delays at public versities
City Desk :
Teachers at public universities have announced a continued strike until their demands—withdrawal from the universal pension scheme Prottoy, introduction of a separate pay scale, and inclusion in the promised super grade—are met.
This strike has led to the suspension of semester final exams across various departments. The end date of the movement is uncertain, potentially causing session jam in public universities, reports The Dhaka Tribune.
On March 20, the finance division issued a notification on the implementation of the Prottoy scheme, effective from July 1.
Protesting teachers argue that the Prottoy scheme will deter talented individuals from joining the teaching profession.
The Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers Association (FBUTA) announced a complete work abstention starting July 1, the day the Prottoy scheme was implemented.
The all-out-strike has led to the suspension of classes, exams, administrative and official activities, meetings, seminars, and symposiums in 35 public universities.
At Dhaka University, various departments have halted their exams.
For instance, although an eighth-semester exam was held in the Bangla department, all other exams are currently suspended.
The Arabic department’s eighth-semester exam, scheduled to begin on July 2, has been postponed. The Department of Communication Disorders fifth-semester exam, set to start on July 8, has also been suspended.
Similar disruptions are happening in other universities, leading to severe student hardships and the risk of semester delays, potentially causing session backlogs in the future.
Prof Dr Md Akhtarul Islam, president of FBUTA, expressing his frustration over the situation, said: “Universities are closed, yet those responsible in the education ministry seem indifferent. The government needs to clarify whether it intends to keep universities closed.”
He highlighted the lack of discussions and interest in the authorities, suggesting that the government is shirking its responsibilities.
He emphasized that problems can be solved through dialogue, but no one is taking the initiative.
Regarding the impact on students due to halted exams and classes, Prof Akhtarul Islam said: “We need to wait a few more days. The movement has been going on for two weeks, and we may need to intensify our actions. Even then, there might be no response from the authorities.”
Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor Prof Golam Shabbir Sattar said: “Now we are concerned about the students. A meeting in Dhaka might bring about a resolution soon.”
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel has repeatedly stated that he cannot comment on the government’s universal pension decision.
He emphasized that the current salaries and allowances for teachers are a result of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s contributions, and future investments in education will continue to increase, enhancing teachers’ benefits.
The universal pension scheme Prottoy makes inclusion mandatory for officers and employees of autonomous, semi-autonomous, state-owned, statutory, or similar institutions.
