Health assistants in Burichang go on an indefinite work stoppage with a 6-point demand.

Daily Bijoy News, Comilla Correspondent:

Health assistants in Burichang upazila have begun an indefinite work stoppage with a six-point demand. The work stoppage began at 9:00 am today, Sunday (October 5th). Health assistants, assistant health inspectors, and health inspectors from various unions all participated in the program. This work stoppage is being observed in the premises of the Upazila Health Complex, initiated by the Bangladesh Health Assistant Association, Burichang branch. Their demands include: amendment of the recruitment policy, addition of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) as the educational qualification, provision of the 14th grade, promotion to the 11th grade through in-service diploma training, provision of technical status, and provision of successively higher grades in promotions. The health assistants complain that they have been suffering from discrimination for a long time. Having protested for a long time to realize their just demands without any decision, they have been forced to go on this work stoppage. Following the pattern across the country, they have begun an indefinite work stoppage in Burichang upazila from October 1st, suspending all grassroots-level activities of the health department, including EPI, and have announced that the work stoppage will continue until their demands are met. Present at the work stoppage were Mr. Md. Abdullah Al Mamun Bhuiyan, President of the Bangladesh Health Assistant Association, Burichang Upazila branch, and Mr. Md. Habibur Rahman, General Secretary, along with other leaders.

Daily Bijoy News/ Md. Abdullah