New transfer policy issued for MPO-listed teachers

The government has issued a new transfer policy for teachers working in MPO-listed private educational institutions. The policy, titled 'MPO-listed Teacher Transfer Policy-2026 (Revised)', was published by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education on Wednesday, May 6.

The policy, signed by Additional Secretary Md Mizanur Rahman, states that the entire teacher transfer process will be conducted online through a software-based system, effective from the day of issuance.

According to the policy, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education will publish institution-wise vacancy lists online at designated times. Interested teachers can then apply against those vacancies. The process of receiving applications, issuing transfer orders, and joining new workplaces will be completed within a specified timeframe each year.

The new policy stipulates that teachers may apply for transfer after completing at least two years of service after joining. Similarly, if a teacher wishes to apply for transfer again after being transferred to a new workplace, they must have served a minimum of two years there. A teacher will be allowed a maximum of three transfers during their career.

Teachers may first apply for transfer within their own district. If there are no vacancies in their own district, they may apply to other districts within their own division. The policy also allows for transfers to the district where a teacher's spouse works or to their home district.

In determining priority, the policy considers the spouse's workplace, seniority, and the distance between institutions. If multiple applicants apply for the same position, priority will be determined based on distance.

A maximum of two teachers from an institution will be allowed to transfer per year, based on seniority and gender. However, more than one teacher in the same subject will not be allowed to transfer simultaneously.

The Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education will process transfer applications. The online application format and software will also be determined by the directorate.

Mutual transfers may be approved by authorities based on written applications. A teacher's seniority and MPO benefits will remain intact after transfer.

In cases of mutual transfer, both teachers will be transferred simultaneously, with their pay scales adjusted according to the new institution's rules. A teacher will be relieved from their current institution within 10 days of the transfer order and must join the new workplace within the next 10 days. However, transfer cannot be claimed as a right, and no TA/DA will be applicable for transfers.

Teachers facing stop payment orders, temporary suspension, or criminal proceedings will not be eligible for transfer.

The ministry has stated that all previous policies and circulars on the matter have been repealed with the issuance of this policy. The ministry also retains the authority to amend or modify the policy in the future as needed.