The stalemate at public universities continued for the 4th consecutive day on Thursday due to the indefinite strike by teachers and staffers.
The teachers' meeting scheduled to be held with Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Thursday was also postponed.
Dhaka University teachers arranged a rally in front of the main gate of Arts Faculty where at least 90 teachers from other 35 public universities were present to express solidarity with the demand of their exclusion from Prottoy Pension Scheme.
Addressing the rally, Secretary General of University Teachers Association Federation and President of Dhaka University Teachers Association Dr Nizamul Haque Bhuiyan said the universal pension scheme is totally discriminatory and it will give facilities to some people and will make others deprived.
He said, “This pension scheme degrades our dignity and compels us to think about our financial matters and future generations.”
“University teachers' inclusion in the pension scheme will affect the profession badly. If teachers are included in the scheme, they will be deprived of facilities,” he added.
Asked about their expectation, Prof Nizamul said, “We are expecting the authorities will speak with us about this matter. We had a scheduled meeting on Thursday with Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader but due to an urgent programme, he couldn't join us.
“We are expecting to talk to him soon. We are sure that some government officials misled the prime minister by giving her false or fabricated information, if we can talk to her, the problem will be resolved.”
Asked about the meeting cancellation, Abdur Rahim, joint secretary general of University Teachers Association Federation, said he might have an important programme where the state's interest is related.
“But our need is also important. It should be taken care of with great importance. It is not good for a country that its higher educational institutions remain closed for a long time. We will continue our movement until our demands are heard. There is no alternative way.”
