Health assistants across Bangladesh have launched an indefinite strike demanding the amendment of recruitment rules, promotion to the 14th grade, and the fulfillment of six specific demands. Protests were reported in districts including Rajbari, Satkhira, and Madaripur. The demonstrators accused authorities of failing to honor previous promises and warned that if their demands are not met soon, they will boycott all health programs, including vaccination drives.
Health assistants across the country have begun an indefinite work stoppage to press home their six-point demand, which includes amending recruitment rules and upgrading their posts to the 14th grade. The strike began on Saturday (October 4) morning in different districts.
In Rajbari, health assistants gathered in front of the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer’s office to stage their protest. They said that despite repeated assurances from the authorities, their demands remain unmet. The protesters warned that if the six-point demand is not accepted immediately, they will boycott all programs — including the typhoid vaccination campaign.
Similar demonstrations were seen in Satkhira, where members of the Bangladesh Health Assistant Association organized a sit-in at the Sadar Upazila Health Complex. The speakers alleged that they are facing discrimination in pay structure and declared they would not return to work until their demands are fulfilled.
Meanwhile, in Madaripur, health assistants have been continuing their protest for the fourth consecutive day. From 9 a.m. on Saturday, they gathered in front of all five upazila health complexes in the district. The demonstrators also threatened to intensify their movement if the government fails to take swift action to meet their six demands.