Private MPO-listed teachers, who have been staging protests in Dhaka since October 12 demanding, among other issues, a 20 percent increase in house rent allowance, issued a stern warning on Wednesday (Oct 15): accept our just demands or face a countrywide shutdown.

The teachers, gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar, declared they would escalate their movement to demand the nationalisation of MPO-listed educational institutions if their current demands are not met promptly. 

Addressing the rally, the protest leaders vowed to block key areas in the capital, including Shahbagh, and launch simultaneous demonstrations across the country.

“There is no room left for compromise. We’ve waited long enough. Now we demand an immediate gazette notification accepting our demands,” said teacher leader Ismail, addressing fellow demonstrators. 

“If our demands are not met, we will block Shahbagh and bring the capital to a halt. Our teachers nationwide will take to the streets — and the government will have to bear the responsibility,” he added.

Another protester, Ashraful Islam, issued an ultimatum to government officials, including the Prime Minister’s education and finance advisers. “Accept our demands by noon, or as per our announced programme, Shahbagh will be blocked from 12:00pm. If there's still no action, we will push forward with our single-point demand for nationalisation of MPO-listed institutions.”

Teachers have been holding sit-ins and demonstrations since October 12, demanding house rent allowance parity with public sector employees, along with other financial and administrative reforms.

SMS/