The Ministry of Education announced on Wednesday that it has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Finance to increase the house rent allowance for teachers and staff at MPO-listed private educational institutions.
The Ministry of Finance has submitted a letter proposing to set house rent allowances at 5, 10, 15, and 20%, depending on the government’s financial capacity.
This move comes amid ongoing demands from educators for better compensation and allowances, which have been a point of concern for many working in government-run institutions.
In response to the demand for increased rent and allowances, teachers and staff from MPO-listed institutions have continued their protests, blocking the Shahbagh intersection and disrupting traffic in the area.
Around 2pm on Wednesday, the protesters gathered at Shahbagh, declaring they would not leave until an official notification, rather than just promises, is issued. The protestors had previously demanded the notification by 12pm.
The protestors made their way to Shahbagh but were stopped by police in front of the Shahbagh police station. After breaking through the police barricades, they successfully blocked the intersection.
Since Sunday, MPO-listed teachers and staff have been on continuous strike, demanding a 20% increase in house rent, a medical allowance of Tk 1,500, and a 75% increase in festival allowances. Despite issuing multiple ultimatums, their demands have not been met.
On the fourth day of their strike, teachers and staff from schools across the country joined the protest, with the Central Shaheed Minar area filled with their slogans.
Teachers have expressed frustration, stating that the government is not fulfilling its promises and is stalling in addressing their demands.
