Teachers of public universities across the country, under a centrally declared programme of Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers Association (Buta), formed human chains yesterday, demanding that the government introduce a separate pay scale for them.

University lecturers are currently paid under the pay scale of a first class gazetted officer.

The demonstrators also urged the government to increase the retirement age for teachers from 65 years to 67.

Dhaka University Teachers Association

formed a human chain at the base of Aparajaya Bangla on the university campus, according to our DU correspondent.

Addressing the human chain. Prof Farid Uddin Ahmed, president of the association, said all the developed countries had separate pay scale for university teachers.

The country cannot develop if brilliant minds are not attracted to the teaching profession, and therefore, the government needs to address the issue, he said.

Chittagong University Teachers Association (Cuta) formed a human chain on the Chittagong Central Shaheed Minar premises,reports our staff correspondent from Chittagong.

Speakers addressing the human chain said although the standard of living had risen, the salary for public university teachers had not increased comparably.

Cuta President Prof Benu Kumar Dey presided over the programme.

Jahangirnagar University Teachers Association (Juta) formed a human chain

before the Shaheed Minar on the campus, reports our JU correspondent.

Among others, Juta president Prof Farid Ahmed addressed the programme.

According to our RU correspondent, Rajshahi University Teachers Association (Ruta) formed a human chain in front of the university's Central Library. General Secretary of Ruta Prof Pranab Kumar Pandey presided over the programme.