Staff Reporter:
The area surrounding the Jatiyo Press Club has turned into a major hub of teachers’ demonstrations, as educators from multiple organisations continue their protests demanding MPO (Monthly Pay Order) inclusion, nationalisation, and policy reforms.
Teachers from four separate groups — representing non-MPO institutions, schools for children with autism and disabilities, independent Ebtedayee madrasahs, and advocates for the recruitment of religious teachers in primary schools — have been holding continuous sit-ins and processions since early this week.
Each platform has issued strong warnings of indefinite programmes if the government fails to take immediate action on their demands.
Mohammad Mobarak Hossain, convener of the Sommilito Non-MPO Oikya Parishad (Combined Non-MPO Unity Council), said that more than 2,000 educational institutions across the country have met all official criteria for MPO enlistment.
“We conduct board exams under our own supervision and deliver excellent results for the nation,” he said. “It is deeply disappointing that despite repeated assurances, the government has yet to act on its promises. We are left with no choice but to protest.”
The group’s core demand is for all non-MPO educational institutions to be brought under the MPO system so teachers and staff can receive government pay and benefits.
Teachers from independent Ebtedayee madrasahs, who had earlier blocked the road in front of the Press Club, lifted their blockade this evening following discussions with government officials.
Kazi Mokhlesur Rahman, chairman of the Independent Ebtedayee Madrasa Teachers Unity Council, said the decision came after a request from Masud Alam, deputy commissioner of police (Ramna Division).
“We also had a fruitful meeting with the secretary of the Technical
and Madrasa Education Division,” he said. “He assured us that the MPO enlistment files of 1,089 institutions will be signed by the chief adviser tomorrow.”
The teachers plan to hold a protest march at 12pm tomorrow, while their sit-in will continue until the official circular is issued.
Teachers from schools for children with autism and disabilities continued their sit-in for the eighth consecutive day, demanding MPO inclusion and improved support for special education.
Md Ilias Raj, president of the Bangladesh Protibondhi Biddaloy Shomonnoy Parishad (Bangladesh Coordinating Council of Schools for Persons with Disabilities), said a seven-member delegation met with officials at the Secretariat at 3pm Sunday for discussions.
The group presented five key demands:
1. Immediate recognition and MPO inclusion of all special (autism and disability) schools.
2. Development of disability-friendly infrastructure in special institutions.
3. A Tk3,000 monthly stipend for each special student, along with midday meals, learning materials, sports facilities, and therapy centres.
4. Employment and rehabilitation opportunities for students with disabilities through vocational education.
5. Strict implementation of the reserved quota for persons with disabilities in government and private sector jobs.
Despite multiple dialogues, no official announcement has yet been made regarding their inclusion under the MPO scheme.
As night fell, the teachers vowed to continue their peaceful demonstrations in front of the Press Club until their demands are officially accepted.
