Thousands of teachers from across Bangladesh gathered outside the National Press Club in Dhaka on Wednesday, demanding the full nationalisation of MPO-affiliated educational institutions. The protest, organised by the MPO Education Nationalisation Alliance, brought traffic to a standstill on both sides of Topkhana Road as demonstrators vowed not to leave until their demands are met.
Following a meeting with the Education Adviser and Secretary at the Secretariat, the alliance announced a one-month ultimatum. If their demands are not fulfilled by September 14, they will launch a nationwide half-day strike, followed by full-day work stoppages on September 15 and 16. An indefinite sit-in is also planned from October 12.
The teachers are calling for:
- Full nationalisation of MPO-listed institutions
- Equal pay and benefits as government teachers
- Festival allowances
- Increased medical allowances
- A universal transfer system
Alliance member secretary Principal Delawar Hossain Azizi stated that the Education Ministry has agreed in principle to some demands, including increasing housing allowance from 50% to 75% and raising medical benefits from 500 to 1,000 taka. However, he stressed that without formal approval from the Finance Ministry, the promises remain incomplete.
The protest reflects long-standing frustration over disparities between government and MPO teachers. Organisers say the movement will intensify if meaningful action is not taken, warning that the education sector could face widespread disruption in the coming weeks.
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