MPO teachers announce nonstop sit-in programme

Teachers of MPO-affiliated educational institutions have announced a constant sit-in programme outside the National Press Club in Dhaka, demanding a 100 percent festival allowance before Eid-ul-Fitr.

Delawar Hossain Azizi, member secretary of the “MPO-Bhukto Shikkha Jatiyakaran Protyashi Jote” or “Alliance seeking nationalisation of the MPO-listed educational institutions”, said the protest will continue from Wednesday until the demands are met.

He told bdnews24.com, “We will stage a 24-hour sit-in outside the National Press Club until our demands are met. Regardless of attendance, we will continue the protest.”

The members of the alliance have been carrying out demonstrations demanding a 100 percent festival allowance for three weeks.

They are also demanding permanent jobs under the monthly pay order, or MPO, scheme and house rent and medical allowance at the same rate as government employees.

Delwar said, "If 100 percent festival allowance is not given in the coming Eid, we will boycott the SSC and equivalent examinations and offer Eid prayers at the chief advisor's residence ‘Jamuna’."

The teachers' alliance marched to the Secretariat on Tuesday afternoon.

However, the procession returned to the Press Club after crossing the road near the Sikhha Bhaban due to police obstruction.

Delwar said the current education advisor had already assured to bring a change to the allowances of MPO teachers.

“Meanwhile, there is a change in the post of education advisor. I hope this will not change the commitment given to teachers,” he added.