Bangladesh cracks down on teachers boycotting student exams over pay disputes

A pay-grade standoff turns bitter as officials accuse teachers of exploiting students. Will the boycotts force a compromise—or backfire?

, and Administrator

2025 December 2 . 9:15 AM

1 min read

In this picture we can see the view of the classroom. In the front there are some girls, wearing a... — In this picture we can see the view of the classroom. In the front there are some girls, wearing a white t-shirt and holding the books in the hand. In the front bottom side there is a man and woman sitting on the chair and discussing something. In the background there is a yellow wall and glass window.

Bangladesh cracks down on teachers boycotting student exams over pay disputes

Secondary school teachers in Bangladesh have been warned of serious consequences if they continue to boycott exams. Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, an education adviser, made it clear that those refusing to administer tests will face punishment under government rules. His comments came as many schools proceeded with examinations despite ongoing protests by teachers.

Abrar criticised the teachers’ demand to be treated as ninth-grade employees, calling it unfair. He pointed out that they were aware of the tenth-grade requirement when they accepted their positions. The adviser also argued that using students as leverage in their protests was immoral.

The government’s stance remains firm on the issue of teacher boycotts. Schools that defied the protests have already conducted exams, while those who refuse may now face disciplinary action. The dispute centres on pay grades, but officials insist the focus must stay on students’ education.