Technologists Threaten Total Termination

Medical technologists and pharmacists have issued a stern warning that they will be compelled to launch an indefinite nationwide work stoppage if the implementation of the long-promised 10th grade is delayed any further. They declared, “This is our final patience. No more assurances — we now demand a direct decision. If the Ministry of Public Administration creates new file-work delays or complications regarding the 10th grade, technologists and pharmacists across the country will have no choice but to go on an indefinite work abstention.”

Urging the government to immediately implement their just demand for the sake of public health, they further stated, “If healthcare services are disrupted, the responsibility will rest solely on the government.”

Speakers made these remarks on Sunday, 16 November, at a human chain organized by the Medical Technologist Forum (MTF) in front of the National Press Club. The event was presided over by MTF President Sohel Rana. Among others present were Central Secretary Ripon Shikder, Organizational Secretary Mosharraf Hossain, Senior Vice President Mia Md. Golam Mawla, Sohel Hawladar, Rafiqul Islam, Md. Johurul Islam, Salehin Abedin Tanin, Masum Reza, Touhid Patowary, Mojammel Rasel, and Abdul Karim Raj.

Protesters stated that for over three decades, technologists have been fighting for fair grading. Despite serving as frontline workers during national crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, dengue outbreaks, and Nipah virus emergencies, they still have not been granted the 10th grade—something they described as deeply disappointing.

Calling the situation a “clear case of discrimination,” they argued that while other diploma-level professionals with similar qualifications have already received the 10th grade, medical technologists and pharmacists—key pillars of the healthcare system—continue to be deprived year after year.

They noted that last year, following nationwide protests, National Medical Technologists and Pharmacists Anti-Discrimination Council’s pressure prompted Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum to announce that the 10th grade would be implemented soon. They refrained from further programs out of respect for that assurance — but the promised implementation remains unrealized.

DBTech/MV/Muim/OR