Bangladesh teachers on fast for higher wages

DHAKA, June 26 (Reuters) Hundreds of primary school teachers in Bangladesh went on hunger strike for a third day today, stepping up a months-old campaign for higher wages and benefits.

Schools, both government and private, have been shut in Bangladesh since June 17 when the teachers stopped work to press the government to accept their demands.

''We will continue our hunger strike until death if the government does not accept our demands,'' Abul Kalam Azad, president of Bangladesh Primary Teachers Association said.

The association wants monthly wage to be raised from 3,000 taka (43 dollars) to 5,000 taka for a junior teacher and higher medical and house rent allowances.

''It is better to kill ourselves on the street rather than dying of hunger,'' said one of the teachers on hunger strike in Dhaka.

Azad said at least 15 fasting teachers had been removed to hospitals after they suffered dehydration.

The government says it does not have enough funds to pay for a substantial hike in teachers' salaries.

REUTERS SI DS1405