DUTA Continues Strike Over Pension SchemeDUTA Continues Strike Over Pension Scheme The Dhaka University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has entered the eighth day of its work abstention and sit-in program, protesting the Prottoy Scheme under the Universal Pension. Classes and exams at the university remain suspended as teachers continue their sit-in demonstration in front of the Kunstgebouw. DUTA Chairman Professor Dr Nizamul Haque Bhuiyan stated that despite discussions with the government, their demand for the abolition of the Prottoy Scheme has not been met. The teachers initially observed half-day and full-day work abstentions before resorting to a complete cessation of work. DUTA Secretary General Professor Dr Zinat Huda emphasized that the association’s three demands must be met before they return to the classroom. The Universal Pension Scheme, launched in 2023, offers four schemes: Prabashi, Pragati, Suraksha, and Equality. The Prottoy Scheme was introduced in March 2023 for employees entering employment at public universities and other organizations from July 1, 2024.
The Dhaka University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) continued its complete work abstention and sit-in programme for the eighth consecutive day on Monday, demanding the withdrawal of the Prottoy Scheme under the Universal Pension.
Classes and exams remained suspended.
The teachers observed the sit-in program in front of the main entrance of the Kunstgebouw at 12:00.
On July 1, they began their total work abstinence and announced the closure of all classes and exams.
The chairman of DUTA and the secretary general of the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers’ Association, Professor Dr Nizamul Haque Bhuiyan, said that we have spoken to the government about the issue. We told them that we will start work abstention if the pension scheme is not abolished. But they did not accept our demand. So we first observed work abstention for half a day and later for a whole day. Then we started complete work abstention and we will not return to class until our demands are not met.
DUTA Secretary General Professor Dr Zinat Huda said that we have been observing work abstention and sit-in programs for a long time and demand three points. We will return to the classroom with victory.
It is notable that the Universal Pension Scheme was launched on August 17, 2023 with four schemes: Prabashi, Pragati, Suraksha and Equality.
On March 13 this year, the government introduced the ‘Prottoy’ scheme for employees who enter into employment at public universities and other organizations covered by the scheme from July 1, 2024.
MHA/MIT
