Demand for MPO inclusion: Teachers' sit-in on day 26, 'finance ministry siege' withdrawn

Teachers have held a sit-in protest for the 26th straight day demanding the inclusion of all recognised non-MPO educational institutions under the government’s monthly pay order (MPO) scheme.

The teachers, who have been continuously stationed outside the National Press Club in Dhaka, had announced a march to the Secretariat to besiege the finance ministry on Thursday, but they withdrew the programme in the afternoon.

The sit-in is ongoing under the banner of an organisation called the “Non-MPO Educational Institutions’ Unity Council”, demanding that non-MPO educational institutions be listed for government pay and allowances, or MPO inclusion.

Protest leader Munimul Haque, organising coordinator of the council, told bdnews24.com, "Our leaders held talks with the finance ministry at the Secretariat at noon. They informed us that the Finance Division has approved the draft MPO policy sent by the education ministry. We now hope that the education ministry will issue the final policy and start accepting applications for MPO inclusion for new educational institutions according to that policy."

"Since the work of the finance ministry is complete, we have withdrawn our previously announced programme to lay siege to that ministry. Our movement will continue until the education ministry announces the start of accepting applications for MPO inclusion of new educational institutions."

The non-MPO teachers, who have reportedly “not received salaries for a long time”, resumed their continuous sit-in protest outside the National Press Club on Nov 2.

Munimul had previously told bdnews24.com, "During the previously holy month of Ramadan, we observed a 17-day continuous sit-in at the National Press Club. At that time, the education advisor and the secretary assured the teachers that MPO status would be granted. But that assurance never materialised.

“Meanwhile, the teachers and employees of non-MPO educational institutions, who are not receiving salaries and allowances, have their backs against the wall. We are facing financial difficulties and social humiliation due to lack of pay."

The teachers first began a sit-in demonstration on Feb 23, demanding MPO inclusion for all non-MPO educational institutions. After 17 days of protest, they held discussions with the education advisor and ministry officials on Mar 12.

Following the discussion, the council's Chief Coordinator Selim Mia announced at a media briefing that day that the education ministry had given assurances regarding MPO inclusion, and the protest was suspended. The teachers later resumed their sit-in on Nov 2.