City Desk :
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury has said the education ministry cannot make any decisions on the Universal Pension Scheme as it is a government policy decision.
The minister on Sunday acknowledged the ongoing university teachers’ movement and said that discussions are underway with the protesters to resolve the issue, reports media.
His remarks followed the announcement by public university teachers nationwide to begin an indefinite work abstention on Monday.
The teachers involved in the protest indicated that their negotiations with the government had not resulted in reinstating the previous pension benefits instead of the Universal Pension Scheme. Speaking to reporters, the minister said: “Several leaders of the university teachers have approached us for discussions. We have exchanged viewpoints, and the dialogue is ongoing.”
He emphasized that his ministry will closely monitor the situation and take necessary steps if the teachers’ movement reaches an impasse, although he did not specify the actions.
Regarding the pension scheme, the minister clarified that decisions are overseen by the Ministry of Finance, and policy matters are part of the government’s jurisdiction.
He emphasized that his ministry can inform relevant authorities, considering the possibility of treating universities differently among autonomous bodies.
The Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers’ Association announced the indefinite work abstention program, stating that classes, exams, and other academic and administrative activities will remain suspended during the protest.
