Meet with non-govt teachers in 4 days

The agitating non-government school and college teachers shutoff the road from Paltan intersection to GPO in the capital yesterday causing a massive traffic chaos in the surrounding areas. PHOTO: STAR

However, they vowed that they would not withdraw their strike until their principal demand of cent per cent basic salary from the government exchequer is met.

Education Minister Osman Farruk told the reporters that he might hold a discussion with the agitating teachers within three or four days. However, community primary teachers yesterday announced that they will go for an indefinite strike from August 1 and observe fast-unto-death at the Central Shaheed Minar from August 6.

"It is necessary to sit with the teachers to solve the problem and invitation letters have already been sent. It is difficult to fix a date immediately due to my illness but I will try to hold a meeting on Thursday," the minister said while talking to the reporters at his residence yesterday evening.

Meanwhile, Prof Mazharul Hannan of Shikkhak Karmachari Oikya Jote said that they had agreed to sit for a dialogue with the education minister but discussion is not essential to meet their demands.

Jote led by Prof Shariful Islam also formed a human chain at Muktangan in the city yesterday while another faction of the Jote led by Selim Bhuiyan held Khulna divisional rally at Jessore Eidgah where teachers vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met.

Besides, National Front of Teachers and Employees (NFTE) yesterday tried to besiege the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) offices across the country.

Leaders of the NFTE said that they will organise a press conference today where they will announce fresh agitation programmes.