Wearing shrouds, dozens of teachers from different areas of the country are taking part in the programme at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city under the banner of Bangladesh Community Primary Teachers' Association.

"Though many of the demonstrators have become seriously ill, we did not receive any response from the government with regard to our demands," Association Secretary General Hafizur Rahman told The Daily Star.

The government still remains indifferent, although the ruling party leaders promised before the last general elections to meet the demands, he said.

The ailing teachers, lying with saline needles stuck to their hands, demonstrated their firmness to continue the fast until their longstanding demands are fulfilled.

"I would rather die than pull out of the programme," said Aslam Ali from Jessore, one of the ailing teachers.

Against the backdrop of price hike of essentials, it is not possible for the schoolteachers and their families to survive with the meagre allowance of Tk 750, he added.

Two other ailing teachers, Mahmuda Akther from Gaibandha and Ragib Hasan from Magura, also echoed the same views.

The Association also demanded that the teachers get all kinds of allowances and opportunities enjoyed by the government primary teachers.

There are 3,778 community primary schools across the country with more than 10,000 teachers.