Staff Reporter :
Certificate holders registered under the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) have issued a stern warning of intensifying their protest starting July 15, due to prolonged unemployment despite possessing valid certifications.
Leaders of the Forum representing certificate holders from the 1st to the 17th batch conveyed their grievances during a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital on Monday.
They emphasized their demand for immediate employment, failing which they plan to initiate various programs to press for their rights.
“We have acquired our certificates through rigorous exams, proving our eligibility. However, despite over one lakh vacant teaching positions, this government has left us in the dark,” stated the leaders.
Blaming the NTRCA and the Ministry of Education for mismanagement and arbitrary decisions, the leaders criticized the government’s lack of sincerity towards their employment prospects.
They pointed out that many qualified and experienced individuals among them are currently teaching in non-MPO schools, colleges, madrasas, or involved in temporary teaching assignments.
“The government stands to gain by employing us against the vast number of vacant positions,” they asserted.
Highlighting their previous efforts, the leaders mentioned a five-hour sit-in protest staged on March 20 in front of the NTRCA office. Following this, a meeting was held with the NTRCA chairman, who proposed consensus to avoid further protests.
The Chairman further assured them that he would talk to the Education Minister after Eid-ul-Fitr. Even if necessary they would convey the message to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Giving an ultimatum, they are expecting that both education minister and NTRCA chairman would resolve the issue before July 15. Otherwise, they would begin tougher programme on the same day.
The Forum’s president, Nilima Chakraborty, along with senior vice-president Nasrin Sultana, vice-president Jannatul Ferdousi, general secretary Kamrul Islam, joint general secretary Sirajul Islam, office secretaries Dulal Nia, Rakibul Huda, Mahmuda Khatoon, and divisional organising secretary Sumon Das, along with district representatives, central members, and general members were present at the press conference.
Meanwhile, widespread protests against the current quota system are escalating across the country, disrupting normal life, particularly in the capital Dhaka where students are prominently involved.
On the other hand, against the government announced ‘Protoy’ universal pensions, university teachers are demanding the reinstatement of the previous pension system.
Public university teachers, officers, and employees are collectively observing an indefinite strike.
Against such a situation, NTRC certificate holders are taking preparation to organise tougher programme to realise their demand.