Dhaka: There is no scope to draw comparison between secretaries and teachers as both of the professional groups have respective positions, says Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The premier came up with the remark at an unscheduled discussion after the cabinet meeting at the secretariat on Monday.

Responding to prime minister’s question whether there was any fault in the pay scale, Law Minister Anisul Huq

Said, ‘The dissatisfaction has been created as the gazette was not published according to the decision taken at the cabinet meeting over the pay scale.’

The prime minister at that time said, ‘Is there any scope to compare a secretary with professor Anisuzzaman? The age limit for a university teacher is 65 while it is 59 for secretaries. Then, should we reduce teacher’s age limit to 59?’

‘Besides, teachers have the privilege to take classes in different universities. But secretaries do not have the scope to do something outside their job,’ she added.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed placed a question ‘The government has doubled the salary at all levels. Then why is this movement?’

The Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid said, ‘This movement is uncomfortable for the government. So, the government is trying to find a reasonable solution.’

Other cabinet members including Finance minister AMA Muhith were present at the discussion.