Are Teachers in Bangladesh Preparing for a Long March to the Secretariat?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, teachers from Bangladesh's MPO-listed institutions have intensified their protests, threatening a long march to the Secretariat. With key demands for pay increases, their ongoing sit-in in Dhaka could signal a pivotal moment for educators in the country. Will their voices be heard?
Key Takeaways
- Teachers from MPO-listed institutions are demanding fair pay and allowances.
- The ongoing protests have reached a critical point with threats of a long march.
- Police have employed force to manage the demonstrations, raising concerns over civil rights.
- The education sector is significantly affected by the work abstention.
- Public sentiment is divided regarding the protests and their implications.
Dhaka, Oct 14 (NationPress) A significant number of educators from Bangladesh's non-government institutions participating in the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme have threatened a long march to the Secretariat if their demands remain unaddressed, as their ongoing sit-in protests in Dhaka reached the third consecutive day on Tuesday.
Their primary requests include a 20 percent house rent allowance, a medical allowance of 1,500 Bangladeshi Taka, and a 75 percent festival bonus for employees, according to local media reports.
The demonstration is organized by the MPO-affiliated Education Nationalisation Alliance at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital.
“We will remain on the streets until an official notification is issued to set the housing allowance for teachers and employees at 20 percent of their basic salary, a medical allowance of 1,500 Taka, and a festival allowance of 75 percent of their wages,” quoted the alliance's member secretary, Delwar Hossain Azizi, by bdnews 24.
“Work abstention is strictly being observed across all MPO-listed educational institutions nationwide. The education sector is now paralyzed and stagnant. Teachers and employees will not engage in any classes or academic activities until our demands are met,” he emphasized.
In a conversation with the Bengali daily Prothom Alo, Azizi stated, “We have dismissed the education advisor's proposal for dialogue. Our only demand is the issuance of the official gazette notification. There is no room for further negotiation.”
The protest was triggered after the finance division of Bangladesh's interim government approved an increase in the house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers and staff from 1,000 Taka to 1,500 Taka on September 30.
Earlier on Sunday, the educators and staff initiated a continuous sit-in in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka to advocate for their demands.
Subsequently, police reportedly dispersed the protesters outside the press club using water cannons, baton charges, and sound grenades, forcing them to relocate their demonstration to Shaheed Minar.
In contrast, the Awami League condemned the Muhammad Yunus administration for employing police violence against teachers advocating for fair compensation.
Through a statement on X, the party remarked, “Teachers seeking a pay that they rightly deserve are met with water cannons, sound grenades, and force. This is the Yunus regime's definition of 'democracy': silencing every demand, suppressing every voice. When educators are treated as adversaries of the state, it's not reform; it's subjugation.”
Bangladesh has been engulfed in numerous protests and severe lawlessness since the democratically elected government of the Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was ousted amid violent protests last year.
Point of View
We recognize the urgent need for fair compensation for educators in Bangladesh. Their commitment to education should not come at the cost of their financial stability. It is crucial for the government to listen and act swiftly to address these demands, ensuring that the education sector can thrive without disruption.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the protesting teachers?
The protesting teachers are demanding a 20 percent house rent allowance, a medical allowance of 1,500 Bangladeshi Taka, and a festival bonus of 75 percent of their wages.
Where is the ongoing protest taking place?
The protest is currently being held at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.
What actions have the police taken during the protests?
Police have reportedly used water cannons, baton charges, and sound grenades to disperse the protesters at various locations.
What triggered the current protests?
The protests were triggered after the finance division of Bangladesh's interim government approved a modest increase in the house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers.
What is the public response to these protests?
Public response has been mixed, with some supporting the teachers' demands while others are concerned about the impact on the education sector.
