Cox’s Bazar, Aug 18 (V7N) – Vehicular movement on the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf highway returned to normal on Monday afternoon after remaining suspended for nearly 10 hours due to a large-scale protest by dismissed local teachers. The protest, which began at 7:00 a.m. and continued until 4:00 p.m. in the Kotbazar area, left traffic gridlocked for over 10 kilometers, causing immense suffering for commuters.
 
The protesting teachers—most of whom had been engaged in NGO-run educational programs for Rohingya refugees in Ukhiya and Teknaf—called for immediate reinstatement of their jobs and a resumption of the education programs that were previously halted.
 
Local teacher representative Saidul Islam Shamim stated, "We are demanding the reinstatement of all dismissed teachers and the immediate resumption of educational activities inside the camps."
 
Dismissed teachers stage a day-long protest in Cox’s Bazar, demanding reinstatement and equal treatment in Rohingya camp education programs. Photo: V7N
 
A female teacher, Anti Ghosh, who also participated in the protest, said, "I had been working in the camp for a long time. I joined the demonstration because losing my job left me no other option."
 
Many of the protesting educators fell ill under the scorching sun, and the blockade triggered significant delays. Law enforcement agencies including the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and army personnel were deployed to the site to prevent unrest.
 
At around 1:00 p.m., Superintendent of Police for Cox’s Bazar, Mohammad Saifuddin, arrived at the scene and held a dialogue with the protesters. He mentioned that discussions were ongoing about hiring 150 teachers, though it was still unclear which NGO would undertake the recruitment. Police officials from Cox’s Bazar and Ukhiya maintained a high alert to ensure order during the protest.
 
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ukhiya Police Station, Mohammad Arif Hossain, confirmed that the demonstration concluded peacefully without any untoward incident.
 
Teacher Romana Akter, who joined the protest, said, "NGOs have long discriminated against local teachers. Eventually, 1,250 of us were dismissed without any valid reason. Although we protested earlier and were promised reinstatement, no steps have been taken. That’s why we are back on the streets again."
 
Rohim Ullah, a passenger caught in the traffic jam, expressed frustration. "We understand the teachers are fighting for their rights, but we’re stuck for hours. Some of us have urgent commitments."
 
Local youth Yusuf added, "Outsiders and Rohingyas should be removed from teaching positions. Locals must be prioritized."
 
Jinia Sharmin, district coordinator for the protesting teachers, said the crisis will not be resolved until government or NGO officials make a public announcement ensuring the return of jobs to local educators. She further emphasized that all education activities in the camps should remain suspended until the dispute is resolved.
 
Attempts to contact the Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Mohammad Kamrul Hasan Chowdhury, for comments were unsuccessful.
 
Previously, on June 1, 1,250 teachers were terminated from NGO-operated education projects within the Rohingya camps. In response, the affected teachers staged a similar road blockade but withdrew after assurances from officials. However, with no progress made in the intervening months, the teachers resumed their protests, underscoring their growing frustration over unfulfilled promises.
 
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