MPO teachers ‘satisfied’ with house rent hike, suspend protests

The interim government has decided to increase the house rent allowance of teachers and employees of MPO-listed (Monthly Pay Order) non-government educational institutions to 15 per cent, following continuous demonstrations by teachers pressing for a three-point demand.

After an understanding was reached between the two sides, the teachers’ leaders announced a temporary suspension of their movement.

On Tuesday (October 21), teacher representatives pledged during a meeting with the Education Adviser and senior officials of the ministry at the Secretariat.

Teacher leaders said they were satisfied with the government’s latest decision and would return to classrooms after formally announcing the suspension of their movement at the Central Shaheed Minar.

However, they also urged the government to seriously consider increasing the medical allowance to Tk 1,500 and raising festival bonuses for non-teaching staff to 75 per cent of the basic salary.

Earlier in the morning, teacher representatives met with the Education Adviser at the Secretariat, where both sides agreed on a 15 per cent house rent allowance. Later in the day, the Finance Division issued an official approval in this regard.

The approval letter, signed by Deputy Secretary (Regulation Wing) of the Finance Division, Ms Sharifunnesa, cancelled a previous circular issued on October 16.

According to the latest approval, MPO-listed teachers and staff will receive a 7.5 per cent increase (minimum Tk 2,000) in their house rent allowance from November 1 this year. Another 7.5 per cent increase will take effect from July 1 of the next fiscal year, making the total raise 15 per cent (minimum Tk 2,000).

Teachers expressed satisfaction over the government’s decision after 10 consecutive days of protests, calling it a “partial but meaningful victory.”

Although their original demand was a 20 per cent increase in the allowance, they said they accepted the government’s decision in light of the current situation and in the greater interest of students and education continuity.