Why Are Teachers in Bangladesh Protesting and Blocking Shahbagh Intersection?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, teachers from non-government institutions in Bangladesh have taken to the streets, blocking a major intersection in Dhaka. Their protest, now in its fourth day, highlights critical demands for better allowances and treatment. Here's what you need to know about the situation and its implications.
Key Takeaways
- Protest Duration: The protests have lasted four days.
- Key Demands: Teachers are calling for improved allowances and bonuses.
- Government Response: There has been limited engagement from the government.
- Traffic Disruption: Shahbagh intersection is heavily impacted.
- Importance of Education: The protests underscore the need for better treatment of educators.
Dhaka, Oct 15 (NationPress) A group of educators from Bangladesh's non-government institutions, registered under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme, obstructed the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon, marking the fourth day of their ongoing protest, as reported by local media.
The demonstrators are advocating for several key demands, including a 20 percent housing allowance, a medical allowance of 1500 Bangladeshi Taka, and a 75 percent festival bonus for personnel.
As law enforcement attempted to disperse the crowd in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh, protesters, chanting slogans and holding banners, managed to breach the barricades, thereby paralyzing traffic in the vicinity.
These teachers and staff members, rallying under the MPO Education Nationalisation Alliance banner, have been maintaining a sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar since Sunday.
This movement gained momentum after the finance division of Bangladesh's transitional government approved an increase in house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers and staff from 1000 Taka to 1500 Taka on September 30.
On Wednesday, Delwar Hossain Azizi, the member secretary of the Alliance for Nationalisation of MPO Institutions, addressed a gathering at the Shaheed Minar, emphasizing that the government must fully comply with their demands.
“The 20 percent house rent allowance cannot be reduced by even one percent. We will not accept Taka 1499 as medical allowance — it must be Taka 1500. The festival allowance for employees has to be 75 percent,” quoted Azizi by leading Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star.
“Our educators faced violence in front of the press club… After such mistreatment, the teaching community will not settle for anything less than a gazette notification,” he added.
Meanwhile, work abstention continued at MPO-affiliated institutions nationwide.
“We will maintain the blockade at Shahbagh until our demands are fulfilled. We will not vacate the streets,” stated Jahirul Islam, a teacher from Rangamati High School.
On Tuesday afternoon, protesters attempted to march from Shaheed Minar to the Secretariat, but police halted them at the High Court’s Mazar Gate. They remained there until late evening before returning to Shaheed Minar for the night.
The protesters reported that on Tuesday, intelligence agencies and police repeatedly urged teacher leaders to cancel the demonstration.
“The education advisor has compelled these educators to spend the night exposed at Shaheed Minar. After becoming a teacher and taking a seat, he assaulted our educators, causing injuries. Teachers were dragged by their beards, their clothes torn, and slapped in police custody. We will not engage in discussions with this ineffective education advisor,” quoted protesting teachers by Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune.
Bangladesh has been engulfed in numerous protests and significant lawlessness since the democratically elected government of the Awami League, under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was overthrown during violent unrest last year.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the educators’ rights to protest for fair compensation and treatment. Their demands reflect genuine grievances that warrant attention. The government must engage in dialogue to resolve these issues and restore stability in the education sector, which is vital for the nation's future.
NationPress
15/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the protesting teachers?
The teachers are demanding a 20 percent house rent allowance, a medical allowance of 1500 Taka, and a 75 percent festival bonus.
How long have the protests been ongoing?
The protests have been ongoing for four consecutive days as of October 15.
What triggered the protests?
The protests were triggered after the finance division approved an increase in the house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers from 1000 Taka to 1500 Taka.
What is the response from the government?
The government has yet to fully address the teachers' demands, which has led to ongoing tensions and protests.
What impact has the protest had on traffic in Dhaka?
The protest has paralyzed traffic at the Shahbagh intersection, creating significant disruptions in the area.
