Teachers and employees of private educational institutions under the MPO (Monthly Pay Order) scheme have continued their protest for the fifth consecutive day, demanding 20 percent of their basic salary as house rent (minimum Tk 3,000) along with two other benefits.
On Thursday morning (October 16), several thousand teachers and employees gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, chanting slogans such as “20 percent house rent, must be paid” and “Bengal teachers, unite.” They announced that if their demands are not met, they will proceed with their planned ‘March to Jamuna’ program towards the chief advisor’s residence at noon.
According to Abul Bashar, joint member secretary of the MPO-affiliated Education Nationalization Alliance, the interim government proposed a 10 percent increase in house rent on Wednesday during discussions. However, teachers have rejected the offer, insisting on the full 20 percent.
“We are in talks with the government, but unless an official notification is issued by 12 noon, the ‘March to Jamuna’ will go ahead as planned,” Bashar told Prothom Alo.
Teachers participating in the movement said they had been promised the 20 percent allowance earlier, but instead, the government issued a Tk 500 increase, which they called “an insult.” Many vowed not to return to classrooms until their demands are fully met
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