The agitating teachers under the monthly pay order (MPO) scheme have announced a fast-unto-death strike at the central Shaheed Minar from Monday to press home their demands. They made the announcement from their hunger march towards the Education Ministry in the capital on Sunday.
The MPO-listed teachers rejected the government’s decision to increase their house rent by 5% of the basic salary and announced the fresh programme.
Delwar Hossain Azizi, member secretary of the Alliance for Nationalisation of MPO-listed Educational Institutions, said, “Teachers will begin a fast-unto-death strike from Monday.”
“Teachers and other staff members will continue their work stoppage. None will take part in classes, exams, or administrative activities,” he said.
“We consider the 5% house rent hike a partial victory. But our movement will continue until our demands – 20% house rent increase, Tk 1,500 medical allowance, and up to 75% festival allowance for staff – are met.”
Earlier in the day, the finance ministry sent a letter to the education ministry agreeing to increase house rent by 5% or a minimum of Tk 2,000.
Teachers, however, rejected the offer. Later in the afternoon, they marched with empty plates and bowls towards the education ministry, but police blocked them on the High Court premises. In the evening, the protesters returned to the Central Shaheed Minar.
Following the protests, the education ministry issued a statement explaining the finance ministry’s proposal. It stated that MPO-listed teachers and staff members would receive whichever amount is higher between 5% of their basic salary or Tk 2,000 as house rent.
According to the ministry, at least 75% of teachers and staff would receive a house rent increase equivalent to more than 9% of their basic salary.
Education Adviser CR Abrar has urged the protesting teachers to return to classes, saying, “I appeal to the teachers to go back home and resume academic activities.”
