Reporter Name 
The MPO-Registered Education Nationalization Aspirants’ Alliance has given the government a one-month deadline to address their long-standing demands, warning of escalating protests—including work stoppages and an indefinite sit-in—if no progress is made.
The ultimatum was announced on Wednesday, August 13, following a meeting between a 12-member delegation from the alliance and the Education Advisor and Secretary at the Secretariat. Speaking to journalists outside the National Press Club—where teachers have been staging sustained protests—Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi, Member Secretary of the alliance, outlined the planned course of action.
Protest Schedule if Demands Remain Unmet
Azizi declared that should the government fail to respond within the next month, a half-day strike will be held on September 14 that will be followed by full-day strikes on September 15 and 16.
If no steps are taken by October 12, the alliance will launch an indefinite sit-in in front of the National Press Club.
The primary demand of the MPO-registered teachers is a hike in house rent allowance from the current 50% to 75%, in line with rising living costs. According to Azizi, the Education Ministry has acknowledged the demand and reportedly sent a proposal to the Finance Ministry for approval.
The Ministry has also suggested a 20% increase in house rent allowance and an increase in medical allowance from Tk 500 to Tk 1,000.
The Ministry has also suggested a 20% increase in house rent allowance and an increase in medical allowance from Tk 500 to Tk 1,000.
While welcoming the proposed medical allowance revision, Azizi emphasized that the main focus remains on house rent.
“We did not press for further adjustments on the medical allowance during the meeting,” Azizi said. “Our priority is a proportional and meaningful increase in house rent. If the proposal is not formally forwarded to the Finance Ministry within the deadline, we will initiate new phases of protest.”
“We did not press for further adjustments on the medical allowance during the meeting,” Azizi said. “Our priority is a proportional and meaningful increase in house rent. If the proposal is not formally forwarded to the Finance Ministry within the deadline, we will initiate new phases of protest.”
Although the Education Ministry expressed support for the demands, officials noted that full implementation may not be immediately feasible due to budgetary limitations. A financial assessment is underway in coordination with the Finance Ministry to evaluate the implications of the proposed changes.
MPO-registered teachers serve in government-aided educational institutions and have long demanded parity with fully government-paid teachers in terms of allowances and job security. Their movement has gained increasing public attention, with consistent demonstrations highlighting the disparity in benefits.
With the one-month countdown now underway, the pressure is mounting on the government to deliver a fruitful response. While the alliance remains open to dialogue, it has made clear its determination to intensify the movement if their demands are not met on time.
With the one-month countdown now underway, the pressure is mounting on the government to deliver a fruitful response. While the alliance remains open to dialogue, it has made clear its determination to intensify the movement if their demands are not met on time.
