In Dhaka, violent clashes erupted today between police and thousands of protesting teachers, leaving at least 120 people injured. In a major escalation of ongoing agitation, government primary school teachers have announced a nationwide work abstention from tomorrow, demanding urgent reforms in pay and promotion structures.

 

The decision was made at the Central Shaheed Minar today, where hundreds of assistant teachers had gathered following a confrontation with police during a march toward Shahbagh.

 

 

According to eyewitnesses, the clash broke out around 4 PM when police intercepted the teachers’ “Pen Surrender March” from the Shaheed Minar towards Shahbagh. The teachers were pressing for the implementation of their three-point charter of demands, including placement in the 10th-grade pay scale.

 

Police officials said the situation escalated after some protesters attempted to break through security barricades and hurled brick chips. The teachers, however, alleged that police attacked their peaceful demonstration without provocation.

 

In a statement, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said that areas surrounding the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna, remain restricted for public gatherings, and that the protesters’ attempt to move toward the area prompted necessary police action.

 

The teachers’ key demands include granting assistant teachers the 10th-grade pay scale, removing complications in obtaining higher grades after 10 and 16 years of service, and ensuring 100 percent departmental promotions. Earlier in the day, thousands of teachers had gathered peacefully at the Central Shaheed Minar to press home their demands before the violence erupted.