As part of a nationwide movement initiated by the Bangladesh Health Assistant Association, health assistants from all upazilas of Sherpur district observed a sit-in program on Tuesday morning in front of their respective Upazila Health Complexes.
The demonstration was organized under the banner of Bangladesh Health Assistant Association demanding implementation of their 6-point charter.
They gathered in front of their respective Upazila Health Complexes. Health inspectors, assistant health inspectors and health assistants joined the protest. They participated accompanied by female staff and their children.
The protesters demanded the immediate implementation of their 6-point charter, which includes revising recruitment rules to include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for field-level health assistants, upgrading their pay scale to the 14th grade and promoting them to the 11th grade through in-service diploma training with recognition as technical staff. Their demands include promotion to higher grades, recognition of in-service diplomas as equivalent to academic degrees, regularization of jobs and creation of new posts, provision of risk allowances, assured career progression through regular promotions and ensuring workplace safety.
The speakers stressed the urgency of implementing the recommended reforms proposed by the Directorate General of Health Services. They called for immediate issuance of necessary government orders to ensure fair treatment of health assistants.
