Staff Reporter :
The agitating teachers of Ebtedayee madrasas are yet to get any assurance from the government although their indefinite hunger strike in front of the Jatiya Press Club entered the 5th day on Saturday.
At least 30 more teachers fell sick on the 5th day of the strike demanding nationalization of their institutions under Bangladesh Madrasa Education Board.
Thus a total of about 130 demonstrating teachers, who have been observing hunger strike unto death, fell sick in five days.
Of them, 15 have been admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. Many of them received primary treatment on the strike place.
Bahalul Ahmed Fahim, a teacher of a madrasa, told The New Nation on Saturday that they have been imparting knowledge to thousands of students across the country. But remuneration and other benefits are poor.
“It is impossible to maintain our family with very poor salary. So, we have no second option for us without continuing hunger strike until we receive clear assurance,” he said.
Kazi Ruhul Amin Chowdhury, President of Bangladesh Independent Ebtedayee Madrasa Teachers’ Association told The New Nation that the demonstrating teachers vowed that they would not go home without any fruitful result about nationalization of their institutions.
He also urged the government to press home their demand as early as possible.
“This is our logical demand. We want to build a healthy nation imparting education. But how will we do that if we are in severe problem? He asked.
“We are teaching like the primary school teachers. The government increased the salaries and allowances of the primary school teachers. Then why should we be deprived? He said.
Kazi Ruhul Amin Chowdhury said, “We have submitted two separate memorandums to the Education Ministry and the Finance Ministry to realise our demands. But we are yet to get any response from any quarter.”
