Thousands of non-government MPO-listed teachers have gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to take part in their “March to Secretariat” program, demanding a 20% increase in housing allowance, along with medical and festival bonuses. On Tuesday (October 14) noon, the Shaheed Minar premises were filled with protesting teachers.
Abul Bashar, Joint Member Secretary of the Nationalization Aspirant Alliance, said,
“We are about to begin our march toward the Secretariat to press for our rightful demands. If the police attack us again, we will announce tougher programs.”
The teachers announced that their work abstention will continue until the government issues an official notification granting their demands — a 20% housing allowance, Tk 1,500 medical allowance, and 75% festival allowance for staff members.
Earlier on Monday, classes at all non-government MPO-listed educational institutions across the country were suspended. Teachers have said the government’s proposed increase in housing and medical allowances is “insufficient and unrealistic.” They have also demanded the implementation of a universal transfer policy.
On Sunday, during a sit-in protest in front of the National Press Club, police attempted to disperse the teachers, leading to scuffles and the use of sound grenades. In response, teachers began a continuous protest at the Shaheed Minar.
Teachers have been spending nights under the open sky at the Shaheed Minar since Sunday. Some have been sleeping on plastic sheets, others using banners as pillows. Their message is clear:
“The movement and work abstention will continue until the official notification is issued.”
Meanwhile, teachers across the country are continuing their work abstention by attending schools but refraining from entering classrooms or conducting lessons. They are staging protests in schoolyards, teachers’ lounges, and offices.
District and upazila-level teachers are also expressing solidarity with the Dhaka protesters by posting messages on Facebook and holding banner and placard demonstrations in their respective areas.
Thousands of non-government MPO teachers joined a “March to Secretariat” program on Tuesday demanding a 20% housing allowance, medical and festival bonuses. They vowed to continue their work abstention and protests until the government issues the official notification fulfilling their demands.