Primary Teachers Ordered Back to Work as Government Threatens Tough Sanctions for Continued Strike

The Government of Bangladesh has issued a strong warning to government primary school assistant teachers, instructing them to immediately resume their duties or face severe legal consequences. The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education made it clear that any teacher continuing to engage in the ongoing work stoppage or exam boycott will be subject to disciplinary actions under service law, the government code of conduct, and criminal law.

The directive was detailed in an official press release issued on Wednesday, 3 December. The ministry noted that it is fully aware of the series of protest actions launched by several organisations representing assistant teachers. These groups initiated a work abstention from 1 December and intensified their movement into a so-called “complete shutdown” beginning 3 December, disrupting academic activities nationwide.

In outlining its response, the ministry emphasised the extensive steps already taken to address the teachers’ principal demands. Assistant teachers have been seeking an upgrade to the 11th grade of the national pay scale, resolution of complications relating to higher-grade eligibility after 10 and 16 years of service, and a policy ensuring that promotions to headteacher posts are reserved exclusively for assistant teachers through departmental procedures.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education confirmed that letters regarding these demands have been formally sent to both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Administration. Senior officials have also engaged in personal consultations with the ministry’s advisers, financial experts, and the chair of the National Pay Commission to explore appropriate solutions. The ministry also reminded stakeholders that as early as 7 August, it had requested the Pay Commission to consider raising assistant teachers’ pay from grade 13 to grade 11.

On 10 November, during a meeting with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education was informed that concrete steps would be taken once the Pay Commission’s report is submitted. This assurance, according to the ministry, demonstrates that the government has been actively working through the appropriate channels to resolve the issues.

Despite these efforts, the ministry expressed alarm over the continued refusal by certain organisations to conduct the ongoing annual examinations. Reports indicate that protest leaders have attempted to block exam proceedings in various schools and, in some cases, assaulted or physically intimidated teachers who were willing to carry out their duties.

The ministry condemned these incidents in the strongest terms, describing them as actions that jeopardise the academic future of young children and violate fundamental principles of professional ethics. Such behaviour, it warned, is contrary to government service rules and may constitute criminal offences.

In light of these developments, the ministry has instructed all assistant teachers employed in government primary schools to report back to work at once. They have been directed to complete all tasks associated with the third-term examinations without delay. Those who refuse risk facing punitive measures, including disciplinary proceedings and legal action as outlined in employment legislation, the code of conduct, and criminal statutes.

This latest announcement underscores the government’s determination to prevent further disruptions to the primary education system. With student assessments underway, officials have stressed that maintaining continuity in teaching and examinations is essential. The ministry’s directive signals its intention to take decisive action should the situation fail to improve, placing the responsibility squarely on the protesting teachers to restore normalcy.