Staff Correspondent
The “MPO-Enlisted Education Nationalization Aspirants’ Alliance” has issued a one-month ultimatum to the government to meet their demands, including nationalization of educational institutions. After meeting with the Education Advisor and Secretary on Wednesday, the alliance’s Member Secretary Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi announced escalating protests—a half-day strike on September 14, followed by full-day strikes on September 15-16. If unmet, an indefinite sit-in will begin at the Press Club from October 12.
The Education Ministry claims it has forwarded a proposal to the Finance Ministry to increase house rent allowances from 50% to 75% for MPO-enlisted teachers. However, alliance leaders counter that only a 20% rent hike and increased medical allowances (from 500 to 1,000 taka) were offered. Their core demands include full nationalization of institutions, 100% festival bonuses, 45% house rent, and recreation allowances.
Wednesday saw teachers abandon a planned march to the Secretariat, instead sending a delegation under police escort to negotiate. Alliance leaders vow to intensify demonstrations if demands remain unaddressed within the deadline, with strike actions commencing September 15 as the first phase of agitation.