The Assistant Teachers’ Union has announced a phased nationwide protest, warning of exam boycotts and indefinite hunger strikes if its key demands are not met by November 15.

At a press conference held at the National Press Club on Saturday, union president Anisur Rahman outlined their demands.

Their demands include upgrading the entry-level grade for assistant teachers to Grade 11, resolving delays in higher-grade promotions after 10 and 16 years of service, and ensuring 100% departmental promotions.

Shahinur Al Amin, president of the Bangladesh Primary Assistant Teachers’ Society, highlighted that around 380,000 assistant teachers are working to strengthen primary education but continue to face systemic neglect. “An assistant teacher earns only Tk 11,000 as basic pay--totaling about Tk 17,650 with allowances,” he said. “This is insufficient amid soaring living costs.”

Currently, assistant teachers are appointed at Grade 13 despite holding bachelor’s degrees and performing critical roles, placing them at a disadvantage compared to other government employees.

The Assistant Teachers’ Union has announced a protest schedule including half-day work stoppages on November 23–24, full-day strikes on November 25–26, a sit-in at the Directorate of Primary Education on November 27, and an exam boycott with indefinite hunger strikes starting December 11 if their demands are not met.

The union called on the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education to immediately address the long-pending grievances and engage in dialogue to avoid disruption in the academic calendar.