Festival allowance for MPO teachers increased from 25% to 50%

The government has increased the festival allowance (bonus) for teachers of MPO-enlisted (Monthly Payment Order) private educational institutions. Until now, these teachers received 25 per cent of their basic salary as a bonus; they will now receive 50 per cent. The enhanced bonus will be disbursed ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.

On Monday, the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance issued an order implementing the increase, attaching four specific conditions. However, the bonus for employees (non-teaching staff) at these institutions remains unchanged, as they already receive 50 per cent of their basic salary as a festival bonus, according to local media.

The new conditions stipulate that all financial regulations must be strictly followed in disbursing the bonus. Should any irregularities arise regarding these expenses in the future, the payment-authorising authority will be held responsible. The bonus will take effect from the date on which the administrative ministry issues the relevant government order (GO), which must also be sent to the Finance Division.

Last month, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Adviser on Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports, had posted on Facebook that the interim government had decided to raise the Eid-ul-Azha bonus for MPO-enlisted teachers from 25 to 50 per cent.

Earlier, on 5 March, Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, then serving as Planning Adviser and Acting Education Adviser, had stated that festival allowances, house rent, medical, and entertainment allowances for MPO-enlisted teachers and staff would be increased.

There are nearly 500,000 MPO-enlisted teachers and staff across the country, who receive basic salaries and certain allowances from the government. According to the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education, the increased bonus will cost the government an additional Tk 2.29 billion for each Eid.