Teachers under the MPO scheme, demanding an increase in house rent and medical allowances as well as nationalization of education, have gathered at Shahbagh intersection as part of their pre-announced protest. The sit-in began around 2:03 PM on Wednesday (October 15), bringing vehicular movement in the area to a complete standstill.
Earlier, teachers began a protest march from the Central Shaheed Minar toward Shahbagh. However, police set up barricades near the National Library to stop them. Defying the blockade, the teachers broke through and reached Shahbagh, where they began chanting slogans.
At 1:40 PM, the teachers left the Shaheed Minar carrying national flags and placards inscribed with their demands.
On Tuesday (October 14), the Member Secretary of the MPO-Listed Teachers’ Nationalization Alliance, Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi, had announced the Shahbagh blockade program.
Earlier, on Sunday (October 12), during a sit-in near the National Press Club, a clash broke out with police, who reportedly used sound grenades. Since then, teachers across the country have been on an indefinite work stoppage, suspending all classes.
Speaking at the Shaheed Minar rally on Wednesday noon, Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi said:
“We will not accept even a one percent reduction from our 20 percent house rent demand. The medical allowance must not be less than Tk 1,499, and the staff must receive 75 percent festival bonuses. Otherwise, we will continue our movement.”
He further warned:
“Our movement will continue until all demands are met. Very soon, we will enforce the Shahbagh blockade.”
Due to the teachers’ sit-in, traffic in Shahbagh and nearby areas has been severely disrupted. Police have deployed additional forces to maintain order in the area.