The University Teachers' Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) in a statement on Saturday demanded a separate salary structure for university teachers, saying it is essential for enhancing quality of education and fostering national development.
In the statement, UTAB President Prof ABM Obaidul Islam and Secretary General Prof Md Morshed Hasan Khan underscored the pivotal role of university teachers in promoting human values, economic growth, social progress, and cultural prosperity.
They expressed concern over the wide pay disparities faced by university teachers in Bangladesh, which hinder their ability to fulfill their professional responsibilities.
"University teaching is not merely a job; it requires dedication, skill, and commitment. Despite considerable investment of time and efforts by teachers for their own development and in research, the current salary structure fails to reflect their contributions adequately," said the statement, noting that this shortfall has profound implications for the overall progress of the country's education system.
The statement said the financial situation of university teachers in Bangladesh is precarious. Many teachers struggle to cope with rising cost of living with their limited earnings, which affect their research and innovation capabilities.
According to UTAB, the pay structure of university teachers in Bangladesh are substantially lower than those in other Asian countries.
For instance, entry-level lecturers in Bangladesh earn between $220 to $482 per month.
In contrast, entry-level teachers in India earn between $770 to $2,420, while Malaysian lecturers make between $700 to $2,800. In Singapore, salaries of university teachers range from $2,950 to $10,300.
The disparities discourage talented individuals from pursuing academic careers in Bangladesh, often pushing them to better-paid jobs abroad or in the private sector. This trend diminishes the quality of education and research capabilities in Bangladesh, said UTAB leaders.
UTAB leaders demanded introduction of a separate pay structure to motivate teachers to teach with total dedication. A more equitable salary structure would enable universities to attract and retain qualified teachers, ultimately improving the educational landscape and contributing to national socio-economic development.
As such, the UTAB urged policymakers to recognise the critical importance of university teachers and to take immediate action to implement a separate pay scale.
This strategic move is essential for elevating the quality of higher education in Bangladesh and fostering a stable academic environment that benefits both educators and the students, the UTAB leaders said.
