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TEACHERS from 35 public and autonomous universities have initiated protests with three main demands: (a) withdrawal of the Pratyay pension scheme notification; (b) inclusion of university teachers in the super grade; and (c) implementation of a separate pay scale for teachers. Meanwhile, university officers and employees have a single demand: the cancellation of the Pratyay scheme. Teachers have continued their normal academic activities for a long time. However, due to the government’s neglect of these demands and the necessity to protect teachers’ rights, they have been compelled to take this difficult decision. They have embarked on this movement to improve the education system and establish teachers’ rightful entitlements.

On August 17, 2023, the government launched the Universal Pension Scheme with four projects: Prabas (Expatriates), Pragati (Progress), Suraksha (Security), and Samata (Equality). Later, a new scheme called Pratyay was introduced for officers and employees of all autonomous and state-owned institutions. Consequently, since the ministry of finance issued the notification of the Pratyay scheme on March 13, the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations has opposed it. After implementing several protest programmes demanding the scheme’s withdrawal, teachers observed their first half-day work abstention on June 4. Despite this, the government took no effective steps regarding their demands, leading teachers from various universities, including the University of Dhaka, to observe a three-day, half-day work abstention last week. Teachers’ leaders also made strong statements in the University of Dhaka senate regarding the same demand last week. Since July 1, 2024, they have commenced an indefinite work abstention, resulting in a complete shutdown of the university’s academic activities.

The finance ministry announced the implementation of the Pratyay scheme on March 20, stating that new recruits in self-governing, autonomous and state-owned organisations on or after July 1, 2024, would come under the Universal Pension Management Act. According to the Pratyay scheme, 10 per cent, or a maximum of Tk 5,000, of the employee’s salary would be deducted, matched by an equal amount from the institution. This amount would be invested under the management of the National Pension Authority to form a pension fund. The scheme encompasses Bangladesh Bank, BSEC, IDRA, ICB, all state-owned and government banks, all public universities, the General Insurance Corporation, Petrobangla, EPB, BSTI, and approximately 400 organisations and institutions. New employees of companies with over 50 per cent government ownership, such as Padma Oil and Jamuna Oil, will also not receive pensions under the existing rules.

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Key Pratyay features

— Tax exemption: Tax relief on monthly deposits and tax-free pension income.

— Nominee pension: If the pensioner dies before 75, the nominee will receive the monthly pension for the remaining period.

— Monthly contributions: Monthly contributions from both employees and institutions will be deposited into the pension authority’s bank account.

— EFT: The pension will be automatically deposited into the pensioner’s bank account.

— Return on death: If death occurs before pensionable age, the deposited amount will be returned to the nominee or nominees in a lump sum.

— Mandatory participation: Mandatory for new employees recruited from July 1, 2024.

— Voluntary participation for current employees: Voluntary participation for current employees with over 10 years of service from July 1, 2024.

— Contribution amount: 10 per cent of the basic salary or a maximum of Tk 5,000 deduction, with an equal contribution from the institution.

— Lifetime pension: The pensioner will receive pension benefits until death.

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Concerns about Pratyay

UNIVERSITY teachers are considered to be victims of a conspiracy against Bangladesh’s education system as they are being transitioned from the same pension entitlements as government officials to the Pratyay scheme. Many are expressing concern that there is no reason for separate schemes for government officials and others, including universities. Until now, they have been under the same system, so why suddenly change this without discussing it with the universities? Teachers view this new separate scheme as a ‘conspiracy.’ There are fears that if unrest ensues, it could create opportunities for anti-government forces.

Teachers at Dhaka University have shown how the new pension system creates financial disparities and reduces benefits for teachers. This pension system is not only financially discriminatory and unfair but also socially and nationally inequitable. It is inappropriate and disrespectful for teachers to be given separate pensions when working under the same scale from the same national treasury. Instead, teachers’ salaries should be higher and separate.

Implementing the scheme will deter talented individuals from entering the teaching profession, reducing educational standards and causing severe harm. This is a conspiracy against the state. If teachers, the architects of knowledge, are repeatedly ignored, the nation will fall behind, as seen when any country disregards merit. For instance, Malaysia’s establishment of numerous international standard universities attracts students worldwide, significantly contributing to Malaysia’s economy. Malaysia gained independence in 1957 and Bangladesh in 1971. Despite only a 14-year difference, Malaysia now leads in education, culture and tourism. Similarly, Singapore is known for its corruption-free and open economy. Fifty years ago, Singapore was an underdeveloped country with a per capita income of only $320. Today, it is one of the world’s developed countries, with a per capita income of over $60,000. Singapore’s success is attributed to hard work, well-planned policies, and a corruption-free administration. Meritocracy has been a guiding principle in Singapore. In contrast, meritocracy in Bangladesh has often been suppressed and disrespected.

Ensuring ‘teaching without fear or favour’ is essential for a conducive educational environment in Bangladesh. Teachers in the United States enjoy VIP status; in France, they sit in chairs in court; in Japan, teachers cannot be arrested without special government permission; and in China, teaching is the most prestigious position. In Korea, teachers receive the same benefits as ministers.

Protesting teachers argue that, due to the discriminatory pension system, good students will not join the teaching profession. Teachers have termed this scheme ‘discriminatory’ and demanded the withdrawal of the notification. Teachers have also been dissatisfied with the existing wage structure, where they receive fewer benefits than secretaries. Achieving the status of a professor requires as much effort as becoming a secretary. Professors are invaluable assets to the state. While there is no objection or conflict over the honour and salary benefits received by secretaries, why should the status of a professor, who nurtures secretaries, be less than that of a secretary? Even if we exclude the two additional grades, secretaries receive benefits under additional grades 1 and 2, but why don’t professors? Why is there repeated discrimination and marginalisation against teachers? Secretaries or other officials benefit from opportunities created by the teachers, yet the teachers face constant discrimination. Teachers must receive their deserved salary and honour.

A teacher is the life of the classroom, around whom the entire teaching-learning process revolves. Their primary responsibility is to educate students with ideal and moral values. Teachers play an immense role in education, culture and societal development. They implement educational plans and influence society and the state.

Parents have high expectations from teachers, and an ideal teacher strives to give their best. An ideal teacher is a creative artisan of human development whose vision and ideals are dedicated to the welfare of humanity. Their honour and respect should be the highest and most universal. Pushing them towards an uncertain future contradicts the expectation of producing well-rounded individuals. Why are the nation-builders protesting on the streets today? As a teacher, this is both shameful and insulting.

University teachers’ pension policies should be equitable not just financially but also socially and nationally. It is illogical to bring employees working under the same payscale from the same state treasury under different pension systems. Instead, teachers’ salaries and pensions should be special and appropriately honourable, reflecting their significant societal contributions. Their efforts should be adequately recognised and honoured, which should be reflected in their pension entitlements. The pension system for teachers needs to be upgraded to an improved system that ensures proper recognition and honour for their hard work and contributions.ÌýTeachers should also be included in the super grade with additional benefits.

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Md Shah Alam is an assistant professor of Islamic history and culture at Chittagong University.