DU Correspondent :
Classes and examinations have come to a halt in 35 public universities across the country as teachers and staff continue their work stoppage for the second day against the Prottoy pension scheme. The indefinite strike began on Monday.
Since morning, no classes or examinations have been held, and staff have refrained from going to their workplaces as part of the protest against the Prottoy scheme.
In Dhaka University, the Teachers Association (DUTA) held a sit-in program at the main gate of the university’s Arts building on Tuesday afternoon. The central library, science library, Registrar Building, and other administrative work were also closed.
Dhaka University’s employees and officials joined the strike, gathering in front of the administrative building to voice their opposition to the Prottoy scheme.
The teachers and staff have stated they will continue their protest until the Prottoy scheme is withdrawn.
“This protest is not against the students.
We are protesting here to secure their rights,” DUTA General Secretary Prof. Zeenat Huda said during the sit-in.
“All 35 public universities in the country are united in opposing this scheme. Our goal is to ensure the future of the students, not to hold them hostage. We have put forth a three-point demand until the Prottoy scheme is canceled,” she added.
Pro-Awami League teachers are leading the movement, but pro-BNP teachers also participated. Prof. Lutfar Rahman, convenor of Sada Dal, joined and spoke at the protest. “This movement is for our future generation. If the government delays, the people of the country will also join the movement. Although our teachers have different ideals, there is no ideological difference in this movement,” he said.
Jagannath University (JnU) teachers and staff continued their protest for the second day by halting all classes, examinations, and administrative activities. Teachers, officials, and employees observed work stoppage and held sit-in programs in front of the central Shaheed Minar and Guchch Bhaskarya square of the university.
Meanwhile, for the second consecutive day, teachers and staff at Barisal University (BU) observed a work stoppage, led by the BU Teachers Association and BU Officers Association.