Dhaka, Dec. 5 -- The health and family welfare ministry has asked medical technologists and pharmacists on strike over the past few days to return to their work stations.

In a media statement issued on Friday, the ministry urged the staff to end their work abstention programme, which was launched to demand promotion to the 10th grade.

The ministry said the government is "sincere" about meeting the demand but requires time to implement the changes.

Legal action has also been threatened against the protesters, as their strike went against public interest, it added.

"The health directorate and the ministry have completed all necessary actions and informed the concerned parties, but the government must be given time to resolve this long-s...