Non-MPO teachers, staff stage sit-in at Shaheed Minar for MPO inclusion

Teachers and employees of non-MPO educational institutions began a sit-in and human chain at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Monday (August 24), demanding that their institutions be brought under the government’s Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme.

The programme, organised by the Bangladesh Non-MPO (unpaid) Teachers-Employees Council, is scheduled to continue from 9am to 5pm with permission from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

The police granted permission following an application submitted by the organisation on August 23. The approval came with 21 conditions, including a requirement that the demonstration remain peaceful and be confined to the designated area and approved timeframe.

Participants have been instructed not to make provocative statements, use language that could offend religious sentiments or engage in any activity that could disrupt public safety or law and order.

The DMP also prohibited the use of drugs during the programme and directed organisers and participants to follow police instructions. The organisers have been asked to make their own arrangements for parking vehicles used by participants.

The permission letter further states that the programme must not obstruct public movement. Organisers will be held responsible if disorder or any unwanted incident occurs during the event.

Non-MPO teachers and employees have long been demanding government recognition of their institutions under the MPO system, which would ensure regular government-funded salaries and allowances. Monday’s demonstration is part of their continued campaign for the demand.