Primary job aspirants stage sit-in protest

Staff Reporter:

The ongoing protest by primary job aspirants seeking appointment as assistant teachers in government primary schools has entered its 25th consecutive day, with demonstrators staging a sit-in at the National Museum in Shahbagh on Sunday.

The protest, which began on February 6, is demanding the immediate recruitment of 6,531 candidates who had been recommended for appointment under the interim government. However, their hiring was halted following a court order in response to a petition filed by 31 candidates who were not selected, citing alleged irregularities in the recruitment process during the previous Awami League government.

According to Mohib Ullah, one of the recommended candidates, the much-anticipated court hearing regarding the case did not take place on Sunday as scheduled and has been postponed to Monday. This delay has prolonged the uncertainty surrounding the recruitment process and intensified the frustration of the job seekers.

“We have been waiting for a resolution for 25 days. Our future remains uncertain due to legal complications. We urge the authorities to ensure justice and allow our appointments to proceed,” said Ullah.

The protestors have vowed to continue their demonstration until the court delivers its final verdict. If the court rules in their favor, they plan to conclude their movement. However, if the verdict goes against them, they have warned of stricter programs, including nationwide demonstrations.

On Saturday, the 24th day of the protest, the demonstrators staged a symbolic mock execution at the Central Shaheed Minar. Wearing burial shrouds, they sought to draw attention to their struggle and the perceived injustice in withholding their appointments.”Our livelihoods are at stake. We have earned these positions through merit and fair competition. The delay in appointments has caused immense distress,” said one protestor.

The interim government had initially recommended the appointment of 6,531 candidates to fill vacant positions for assistant teachers in primary schools. However, allegations of recruitment irregularities led 31 rejected candidates to file a legal challenge, resulting in a court-issued suspension of the appointments.Legal experts note that the case’s outcome could set a significant precedent for future government recruitment processes, particularly regarding transparency and fairness.Meanwhile, education sector stakeholders, including teachers’ associations and civil society groups, have expressed concern over the prolonged delay, urging swift action to resolve the crisis.Call for ResolutionThe protestors are demanding a prompt decision that ensures justice for the selected candidates. “We call on the authorities to expedite the legal proceedings and end this prolonged uncertainty,” said another demonstrator at the sit-in.