Assistant teachers in Bangladesh launched a protest by primary teachers on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar. Police clashed with demonstrators during a march to Shahbagh, injuring 109 and arresting five. The group suspended the primary teachers’ Dhaka sit-in on Monday evening following assurances from the ministry. A decision on the Bangladesh teachers’ strike remains pending. This action affects over 3.83 lakh educators across 65,000 government primary schools.
The Bangladesh primary teachers’ protest highlights deep-seated frustrations within South Asia’s largest education workforce. It highlights systemic pay inequities that ripple into classroom quality and student outcomes. With Bangladesh’s primary enrollment at 98 percent, disruptions threaten foundational learning for 18 million children. Similar unrest in neighbouring India and Pakistan signals a regional push for teacher welfare amid fiscal strains. Stable education sectors drive economic mobility; unresolved grievances risk broader instability in youth-heavy populations.
Clashes Escalate During Primary Teachers’ Dhaka Sit-In
Government primary school assistant teachers gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday morning. Over 1,000 participated under the Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers Association (BPSATA). They demanded upgrades to the 10th-grade pay scale from the current 13th-grade pay scale. Additional calls targeted promotion hurdles after 10 and 16 years of service. Full departmental elevation to head teacher roles topped the list.
The sit-in proceeded peacefully until the afternoon. Teachers marched toward Shahbagh police station around 3:30 PM. Officers deployed batons, water cannons, and sound grenades. The response left 109 injured, including fractures and lacerations. Five arrests followed, but all were released by evening.
BPSATA Central President, Md. Shamsuddin Masud addressed the crowd after the clash. “Police aggression will not deter us. We seek justice for our demands.” Shahbagh police cited crowd control needs. No formal charges stuck.
This primary teacher’s Dhaka sit-in marked the second major demonstration in 2025. Earlier actions in May yielded partial concessions, like 13th-grade entry. Yet core issues persisted, fueling renewed vigour.
Government Assurances Prompt Pause in Bangladesh Teachers’ Strike Decision
Monday brought a pivotal shift in the Bangladesh primary teachers’ protest. A delegation met with officials from the Finance Division and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education at the Secretariat. Discussions centred on the assistant teachers’ pay demand in Bangladesh. The three-point charter dominated talks.
Finance Secretary Dr Md Khayeruzzaman Majumder chaired the session. The Primary and Mass Education Secretary, Abu Taher Md Masud Rana, attended. BPSATA leaders, including Masud and General Secretary Khairun Nahar Lipi, presented grievances.
The Ministry of Education issued a press release following the meeting. “The proposal to elevate assistant teachers to the 11th grade has been sent to the National Pay Commission for review. The Finance Division will act on its recommendations.” This fell short of the 10th-grade ask but signalled progress.
The teachers suspended the Dhaka sit-in around 9:15 PM. Masud explained the move. “Considering the current political situation, the Dhaka sit-in at the central Shaheed Minar has been suspended. However, no decision has been made yet on the strike. Discussions are ongoing, and a decision will be announced afterward.”
Lipi echoed cautious optimism. “The program was suspended, though protesting teachers raised objections regarding the Ministry’s decisions.” The nationwide work abstention, launched on Sunday, impacted classes for 18 million pupils. Schools reported an 80 percent absenteeism rate among staff.
As of Tuesday morning, November 11, the decision regarding the Bangladesh teachers’ strike remained unresolved. Leaders convened overnight. A formal announcement loomed at Shaheed Minar.
Assistant Teachers’ Pay Demand in Bangladesh Fuels Core Grievances
The assistant teachers’ pay demand in Bangladesh traces to longstanding disparities. Entry-level salaries stand at BDT 11,000 monthly under the 13th grade. Head teachers earn BDT 12,000 in the 11th grade. Protesters argue this inverts incentives, with assistants outnumbering heads 10-to-1.
The National Pay Scale 2025, effective February, has upgraded assistants from the 15th to the 13th level. Yet BPSATA deems it insufficient. “Our qualifications warrant 10th-grade parity,” Masud stated in prior briefings. Promotions stall at 30 per cent due to quotas. Service hurdles block increments after decade-long tenures.
Data from the Ministry reveals 3.83 lakh assistants serve 65,000 schools. Turnover increases by 5 percent yearly due to low morale. Rural postings exacerbate issues, with 70 per cent in under-resourced areas.
This assistant teacher’s pay demand in Bangladesh aligns with global benchmarks. UNESCO urges a 20 percent GDP allocation to education; Bangladesh logs a 2.2 percent growth rate. Comparable Indian protests secured 7th Pay Commission hikes in 2016.
Student Protests Echo Teacher Demands Nationwide
The Bangladesh primary teachers’ protest drew youth support. Students in Comilla, Rangpur, and Sylhet districts rallied on Monday. Over 500 pupils in Nangalkot upazila surrendered pens in solidarity. “Teachers shape our future; fair pay ensures quality,” said a 12-year-old participant.
Incidents spread beyond Dhaka. In Chittagong, 50 teachers faced mild police pushback during candlelight vigils. No major injuries reported outside the capital.
BPSATA coordinated via WhatsApp clusters. “Nationwide unity amplifies our voice,” Lipi noted. The pen-surrender initiative symbolised withheld knowledge. Schools adapted with the help of volunteer aides, but learning gaps widened.
These echoes in the primary teachers’ Dhaka sit-in highlight intergenerational stakes. Disruptions compound post-flood recovery efforts, as 2 million children are already lagging.
Background: Evolution of Primary Teachers Protest in Bangladesh
Teacher agitations predate 2025. The 2015 National Pay Scale sparked initial outcry. A 2024 committee, led by BRAC’s Prof Manzoor Ahmed, proposed 12th-grade entry. Rejection ignited May’s half-day abstentions. The interim government, under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, formed the Pay Commission in October. It reviews scales amid economic pressures. Inflation at 9.8 per cent erodes real wages.
BPSATA, founded in 1990, boasts 2 lakh members. Factions like Shahin-Lipi unify fronts. Past wins include 100% maternity leave in 2018. This context frames the current protest by primary teachers in Bangladesh. It tests post-August transition governance on labour rights.
What’s Next: Pathways to Resolution
Leaders are eyeing a Tuesday announcement on the decision regarding the Bangladesh teachers’ strike. Gazette publication on 11th-grade pay could end action. Failure risks escalation.
The National Pay Commission convenes on Wednesday. Recommendations due by December. BPSATA demands timelines. Monitoring committees form post-talks. They track promotion quotas and service reforms.
International observers, via SAARC forums, note parallels. Aid from the World Bank ties to education metrics. The assistant teachers’ pay demand in Bangladesh seeks closure. Swift action preserves semester integrity.
This Bangladesh primary teachers protest tests commitments. Resolution could model equitable reforms, safeguarding South Asia’s educational bedrock.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 11th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
