In Bangladesh, teachers are often glorified as the architects of the nation, yet their lived reality paints a far more distressing picture. The ongoing protest by MPO-listed teachers demanding increased allowances once again exposes the longstanding neglect of educators in the country’s non-government education sector. These teachers, who have been demonstrating for years, are now in the streets again, not for luxury, but for survival and dignity.
The government currently supports approximately 400,000 MPO-listed school and college teachers and staff in Bangladesh. Based on the current allowance rate, this requires an annual expenditure of about 470 crore Taka for house rent allowance alone, split between 357 crore Taka for school teachers and 112 crore Taka for college teachers.
The latest phase of their movement began with sit-ins, processions, and road blockades in the capital, including Shahbagh and the Secretariat area. Teachers and staff from schools, colleges, and madrasahs under the MPO system have been demanding a 20 percent house rent allowance, a Tk1,500 medical allowance, and a 75 percent festival bonus. They have also continued nationwide work abstention, leading to the suspension of classes and exams in many institutions. Their demands, when examined in the context of rising living costs, inflation, and the current socio-economic situation, appear entirely reasonable.
Despite repeated assurances from successive governments, these teachers have received little beyond words. The Ministry of Education has cited budgetary constraints, yet resources are consistently allocated for large infrastructure projects and administrative perks. Such excuses reflect misplaced priorities.
Teachers in Bangladesh are paid dramatically less than their peers across South Asia. Primary school teachers, whose monthly salaries can be as low as $170 (Tk20,500 approx.), are highlighted in several reports as being among the region’s lowest-paid. For comparison, neighbouring countries offer significantly higher pay: India ($285), Sri Lanka ($250), and the Maldives ($953). Their salaries often fail to cover the cost of rent, children’s education, and healthcare. It is therefore unsurprising that frustration has turned into protest.
The MPO (Monthly Pay Order) system was initially introduced to ensure financial support for teachers and staff in non-government institutions. It was meant to reduce disparity between government and private sectors. However, the system today stands as a symbol of neglect. Payments are often delayed, allowances remain meagre, and retirement benefits are minimal. Many teachers retire without pensions or health coverage, forced to depend on family or charity in old age. This situation not only disrespects their decades of service but also discourages talented young people from entering the teaching profession.
That said, the method of protest by some teachers, such as blocking major roads and the Secretariat, raises concerns. While their grievances are legitimate, such actions disrupt public life and tarnish the dignity traditionally associated with the teaching profession. The classroom, not the street, should be their platform of influence. Yet one cannot ignore that desperation often drives such measures when official promises remain unfulfilled.
The government must recognize that the stability of the education sector depends on the welfare of its teachers. A nation cannot build a skilled and enlightened generation while its educators are demoralised and impoverished. The authorities should immediately initiate constructive dialogue with the protesting teachers and take concrete steps to address their demands through a gazette notification, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Ignoring their plight any longer will deepen the crisis in the country’s education system. The teachers’ movement should not have to escalate further for their voices to be heard. The Daily Times of Bangladesh firmly believes that those who nurture the minds of the nation deserve respect, security, and justice, not tear gas and empty promises. It is time the government acted decisively to ease the plight of MPO teachers.
