Teachers block traffic outside Press Club demanding MPO inclusion

Thousands of teachers from across the country gathered in front of the National Press Club on Wednesday, blocking traffic on both sides of Topkhana Road, demanding the inclusion of their jobs under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) system.

The protesters, under the banner of MPO-Included Education Nationalisation Demand Alliance, vowed not to leave the area until their demands are met.

From early morning, teachers assembled from the Secretariat intersection to Kadam Fountain, causing the road in front of the Press Club to be closed and forcing vehicles to be diverted along alternative routes.

The alliance said the government had promised 5% annual increments, a 20% festival bonus, and nationalisation following protests in 2018, but none of these have been implemented.

The interim government’s education adviser had assured an end to ‘discrimination’. On 12 February, during the 22nd day of continuous protests, a Secretariat press conference announced a 25% festival bonus increase and enhancements to house rent, medical, and entertainment allowances.

Despite budget allocations, official notifications have yet to be issued. The alliance had demanded issuance by 10 August, warning of further protests if ignored.

Delwar Hossain Azizi, member secretary of the MPO-Included Education Nationalisation Demand Alliance, said, “We have long raised these demands, yet the government’s 2018 promises remain unfulfilled. The education adviser has given assurances, but no concrete progress has been made. MPO teachers and staff are the backbone of our education system, yet we continue to face discrimination.”

“Tomorrow’s rally will bring teachers and staff from across the country to Dhaka. We will press our demands at the National Press Club and, if needed, march to the Secretariat. If ignored, we will launch larger and stricter actions,” he added.