RU Correspondent:

Teachers of Rajshahi University (RU) observed a full-day work abstention on Sunday and held a sit-in program on campus. They demanded the cancellation of the new universal pension scheme ‘Prottoy’ issued by the finance ministry. The teachers warned that they would go for a complete work abstention from July 1 if their demands were not met.

Speaking at the sit-in program, the President of the RU Teachers’ Association, Professor Md. Habibur Rahman stated that if their demands are not met, they will observe a full-day work abstention and proceed to strike.

Professor Laila Arjuman Banu expressed concerns, stating, “In the future, if we are deprived of these opportunities or rights, talented students will not join the teaching profession at the university. This will ultimately degrade the environment of university education and research. No country can progress without research. We strongly demand the cancellation of the ‘Prottoy’ pension scheme.”

Prof. Kamrul Hassan elaborated on other schemes from the gazette and criticized the ‘Prottoy’ pension scheme, released on March 13, 2024, as discriminatory. He urged the government to maintain the pension system introduced by the father of the nation and to provide separate pay scales for university teachers to protect their dues.

RU Teachers Association President, Prof. Habibur Rahman, emphasized that their demands are made to ensure students are not affected. He mentioned that they have communicated their position through a signature campaign and press conferences. Despite this, the government has not yet contacted them. University teachers feel disappointed, angry, and embarrassed. He stated, “Our backs are almost against the wall—hence our movement. The teachers warned of a complete work abstention starting July 1 if their demands are not met.”

It is noteworthy that teachers from all public universities, including DU and JU, have announced class-skipping protests for the same demand.

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