‘Even 19% won’t do’: MPO teachers stand firm as govt offers 5% rent allowance

After four consecutive days of protests by MPO-affiliated teachers demanding a 20 per cent house rent allowance, the Finance Ministry has agreed to provide 5 per cent or a minimum of Tk 2,000 in rent.

All MPO-affiliated schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions across the country have been on strike since Sunday over the demand. 

Teachers in Dhaka have also announced a long march toward the Chief Adviser’s Jamuna residence on Thursday (October 16).

In response to the growing agitation, top officials from the Education and Finance Ministries held a closed-door meeting on Wednesday (October 15). 

According to sources, the Finance Ministry gave a “green signal” to implement a 5 per cent or minimum Tk 2,000 house rent allowance, stating that it is not feasible to increase the benefits for 5,50,000 teachers and employees beyond that amount immediately.

Officials from both ministries estimate that implementing this allowance will cost around Tk 950 crore annually. They also indicated that there are plans to raise the rate gradually in the coming years.

An official from the MPO branch of the Ministry of Education told Jago News that the finance advisor is currently abroad. “However, considering the teachers’ reasonable demands, the ministry contacted the finance department multiple times on Wednesday. 

Although a 20 per cent increase was not approved, discussions are ongoing for a possible 10 per cent adjustment. 

“The finance division, for now, has agreed to a 5 per cent or Tk 2,000 minimum increase,” the official said.

Education sector experts argue that given the national budget stands at Tk 8 lakh crore per fiscal year, allocating Tk 2,300 crore to cover a 20 per cent rent allowance for approximately 400,000 teachers and staff would not be an excessive burden.

Emeritus Professor of BRAC University, Dr. Manzur Ahmed, said, “The government should respond quickly to the teachers’ demands. Ignoring reasonable demands will only complicate the situation and could harm both the state and the nation.”

Meanwhile, Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi, Member Secretary of the MPO-affiliated Education Nationalization Alliance, reiterated the teachers’ firm stance. “We want a 20 per cent house rent allowance. Even if they offer 19 per cent, teachers will not accept it,” he said.

He warned that if the demand is not met, the teachers’ movement will intensify. “Teachers are now on strike across the country. If necessary, we will lock down 30,000 MPO-affiliated schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions and march to Dhaka. If any untoward situation arises, the government will have to take full responsibility,” Azizi added.