Public varsity teachers begin work abstention over pension

Public university teachers across the country began an indefinite work abstention today (July 1) as the government has not heeded their demand to reinstate previous pension facilities in place of the Universal Pension Scheme.

Academic and administrative activities at all the universities have come to a standstill today while teachers and employees demand exclusion from the "discriminatory" Prottoy pension scheme.

The Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Association organized the strike, which was announced at a press conference on Sunday in front of the Faculty of Arts building at Dhaka University.

The Dhaka University Teachers Association (DUTA) also issued a notice to the university's teachers on Sunday regarding the strike.

This strike has led to the suspension of classes, exams (including regular, evening programs, professional programs, and online classes), and administrative activities across all public universities, including Dhaka University, Chittagong University, Rajshahi University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Jagannath University, Jahangirnagar University, and Khulna University.

Chairmen's offices, hall provost offices, research centers, institutes, the central library, deans' offices, computer labs, and seminars are also closed.

Dr. Shaikh Masrick Hasan, General Secretary of the Jagannath University Teachers Association, told UNB: “We warned that if our demands were not met, we would go on a complete work abstention. Since our demands have not been accepted, classes, examinations, and all other official activities at our university will remain suspended. We are adhering to our pre-announced program.”

Additionally, DU officers and employees, under the banner of Officers-Employees Oikya Parishad, called for a strike and protest demanding the cancellation of the "discriminatory" notification related to the Universal Pension Scheme (Prottoy).

Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury stated on Sunday that his ministry is monitoring the strike and will take necessary measures in due course. He made these remarks during a briefing on HSC and equivalent exams in Segunbagicha, Dhaka.

The Universal Pension Scheme, which began on August 17, 2023, includes four schemes: Probashi, Progoti, Surokkha, and Somota. The Prottoy scheme was later introduced for officers and employees of all autonomous and state-owned organizations.