Amid continuous protests over a three-point demand, the interim government on Tuesday agreed to increase the house rent allowance for teachers and staff of MPO-listed private educational institutions to 15% of their basic salary.
Following a mutual understanding between the two sides, the teachers announced a suspension of their movement for the time being.
The teacher leaders made the decision during a meeting with the Education Adviser and ministry officials at the Secretariat. They stated that they are currently satisfied with the government’s decision and will return to classes, with a formal announcement of the suspension scheduled at the Central Shaheed Minar.
However, they urged the government to seriously consider their remaining demands — an increase in medical allowance to Tk 1,500 and a 75% festival bonus for employees.
Earlier in the day, teacher representatives met with the Education Adviser at the Secretariat, where both sides agreed on the 15% house rent allowance. Following the meeting, the Ministry of Finance approved the allowance in a letter signed by Sharifunnesa, Deputy Secretary of the Regulation Wing under the Finance Division, which also declared the previous approval letter issued on October 16 null and void.
According to the latest approval, starting November 1, teachers and staff will receive a house rent allowance of 7.5% of their basic salary (minimum Tk 2,000). An additional 7.5% will be added from July 1 of the next fiscal year, bringing the total to 15% (minimum Tk 2,000).
After 10 days of continuous protests, the teachers expressed satisfaction with the government’s concession, despite originally demanding a 20% house rent allowance. They consider this a victory under the current circumstances.