Dhaka, October 13 (V7N) — Teachers from educational institutions under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme have launched an indefinite strike to protest against alleged police obstruction during their demonstration in the capital.

After spending the night at the Central Shaheed Minar, the teachers began a sit-in program this morning, vowing to continue their protest until further decisions are made.

Scenes from across the country show a mixed situation. In many MPO-affiliated schools and colleges, teachers were present from early morning but abstained from taking classes in solidarity with the movement. They have declared that they will continue the strike until their demands are met.

However, in some institutions, classes are continuing as usual. Teachers there said they support the protest but have chosen to continue teaching to minimize academic disruption for students.

Tensions escalated in Dhaka yesterday afternoon when police clashed with protesting teachers in front of the National Press Club, reportedly using sound grenades to disperse them. The teachers had gathered to press their four-point demand, which includes a 20 percent increase in house rent. Following the clash, the leaders of the movement called on teachers to regroup at Shaheed Minar, where they announced a continuous agitation program.

Organizational leaders described the government’s recent announcement on increased house rent and medical allowances as “insufficient and unrealistic.” They are demanding that both allowances be raised to 20 percent of the basic salary, along with the implementation of a universal transfer policy for MPO-affiliated teachers.

END/SMA/AJ