12 teacher representatives meet at secretariat, rest await on roads

The Report Desk

Published: August 13, 2025, 02:27 PM

12 teacher representatives meet at secretariat, rest await on roads

Thousands of teachers from across Bangladesh have gathered in front of the National Press Club in Shahbagh, Dhaka, demanding the nationalization of MPO-registered educational institutions.

However, instead of marching to the Secretariat, a 12-member representative team, with police assistance, went to meet the Education Adviser. The remaining teachers continued their sit-in on the roads.

On Wednesday (August 13), after 12:30 p.m., the representative team proceeded to the Secretariat, while those remaining at the Press Club were asked to wait on the street. Law enforcement took extensive measures to prevent a march toward the Secretariat.

Teachers explained that the representatives went to ensure a peaceful dialogue and were expected to return with positive news from the Education Adviser.

Earlier, the MPO Education Nationalization Alliance had stated that after a prolonged movement in 2018, the then-government implemented a 5% annual increment and 20% Baishakhi allowance, promising full nationalization in the next phase. However, the commitment was not fulfilled, and the teachers’ movement continued.

In discussions with the current government, the Education Adviser assured measures to eliminate disparities.

On February 12, during the 22nd day of continuous sit-ins, a press conference at the Secretariat announced a 25% increase in festival allowances and the inclusion of house rent, medical, and recreation allowances in the budget. However, the official notifications have yet to be issued.

The alliance had demanded the notification be issued by August 10, warning of intensified protests otherwise.

Delwar Hossain Azizi, General Secretary of the MPO Education Nationalization Alliance, said, “We have been raising these demands for years. The 2018 government promises remain unfulfilled. Although the interim Education Adviser has given assurances, no concrete progress has been made. MPO-registered teachers and staff are the driving force of the country’s education system, yet we face years of inequality.”

He added, “Tomorrow’s rally will see a large number of teachers and staff coming to Dhaka. We will raise our demands together at the Press Club and, if necessary, march to the Secretariat. This is not just a program, but a struggle to secure our rightful entitlements. We urge the government to issue the notification immediately and provide a clear roadmap for nationalization. If our demands are not met this time, we will be forced to take larger and more stringent actions.”

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