State Minister Bobby Hajjaj Clarifies Remarks on 9th Grade Pay Scale for Primary Teachers

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has clarified his recent parliamentary remarks regarding the 9th grade pay scale for primary school teachers, explaining that the ongoing framework development aims for broader policy progression rather than an immediate grade shift for all teachers.

Speaking during an interaction with leaders of the Primary School Assistant Teachers Association (Sylhet District Branch) at the Sylhet Circuit House on Monday, the state minister addressed growing discussions around his earlier statement delivered in the Jatiya Sangsad.

Bobby Hajjaj stated that he did not claim all primary teachers would be automatically upgraded to the 9th grade salary tier. Instead, he explained that the government is formulating a comprehensive policy for teachers where career progression could cumulatively extend up to the 9th grade, emphasizing that bringing every teacher to the 9th grade at once is a distinct concept altogether.

Earlier on June 28, during the 17th day of the budget session in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, the state minister informed the house that state expenditure on primary teachers' salaries currently stands at BDT 20,428.68 crore. He noted that the ministry was working toward structural changes to enable 9th grade entry, an initiative that would require an additional BDT 1,500 to 2,000 crore in budgetary allocations.

Reaffirming the government's long-term objectives, Hajjaj added that under the Prime Minister's vision, concerted multi-year efforts to restructure the primary education system will bring about a fundamental transformation in the nation's educational landscape over the next five years.