Education Ministry sends proposal to raise teachers’ housing allowance

The Ministry of Education has sent a proposal to the Finance Ministry recommending an increase in housing allowances for teachers and staff of private educational institutions. The proposal suggests raising allowances by 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%, depending on the government’s financial capacity.

The announcement comes as MPO-listed teachers and staff continue their protests demanding higher housing and festival allowances, as well as medical benefits. On Wednesday afternoon, protesters blocked Shahbagh intersection, halting traffic in the area. The teachers have stated they will not end the protest without an official government notification, rejecting mere verbal assurances.

Earlier, the protesters had demanded that the government issue a formal notification on their demands by noon. When no action was taken, they marched toward Shahbagh, where police attempted to stop them near the local police station. The protesters broke through the barricades and occupied the intersection.

Since last Sunday, the protesters have been demanding a 20% housing allowance, a medical allowance of Tk 1,500, and a festival allowance increased to 75%. Despite daily ultimatums, authorities have yet to meet their demands. On Wednesday, teachers and staff from schools across the country joined the demonstration, filling the area around the Central Shaheed Minar with slogans and chants.

The protesters accuse the government of failing to honor its promises. Meanwhile, work stoppages continue in most MPO-listed schools nationwide due to the ongoing agitation.