Dhaka, Oct 21 (V7N)- In response to continuous agitation by teachers and employees of private educational institutions under the MPO (Monthly Pay Order) scheme, the government has approved a 15 percent increase in house rent allowance, to be implemented in two phases.

The Ministry of Education issued a notification on Tuesday (October 21) afternoon, stating that 7.5 percent of the basic salary will be provided as house rent allowance in the current fiscal year, while the remaining 7.5 percent will come into effect in the next fiscal year.

Education Advisor C.R. Abrar said the teachers’ demands were “reasonable,” but the government had initially been unable to take a decision due to financial constraints. He expressed hope that teachers would now return to their classrooms, which would contribute to improving the overall quality of education.

The teachers, who had been observing a hunger strike and sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar for several days, have decided to end their protest and resume teaching.

Delwar Hossain Azizi, member secretary of the Alliance for Nationalization of Educational Institutions under MPO, confirmed the decision, saying, “We will return to the classroom from tomorrow (Wednesday).”

Earlier, on September 30, the government had announced a Tk 500 increase in the rent allowance, which was rejected by the teachers and employees. They later launched a nationwide movement, demanding at least a 20 percent increase, along with higher medical and festival allowances.

During the protest, a ‘hunger procession’ towards Shiksha Bhaban was halted by police and BGB at the High Court’s shrine gate. The teachers then returned to Shaheed Minar and continued their sit-in demonstration until the latest decision was announced.

END/SMA/AJ