Health assistants to go on strike nationwide from Oct 1, boycott typhoid vaccination

Health assistants have announced a strike across the country from Oct 1 to press for their six-point demands. They will also boycott the nationwide typhoid vaccination campaign that starts on Oct 12. Their demands include: changes to recruitment criteria, placement in 14th grade, promotion to 11th grade through in-service diploma training, recognition as technical staff, and regular promotions to higher grades. On Sunday, the Bangladesh Health Assistant Association (BHAA) submitted a memorandum to the Director General of Health Services. The association said health assistants carry out vital vaccination work at the grassroots level to protect against 10 deadly diseases. Although it is technical work, they are not given technical status and face pay discrimination. The health assistants say their demands...