Finally Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has said that the interim government is working on the demands of teachers. Their three key demands are 1. House Rent Allowance @ 20% of the basic salary, 2. Medical Allowance @ Tk1,500 per month and 3. Festival Bonus @ 75% of the basic salary.
"The house rent issue is a sensitive issue. The government is working on this issue. We believe that with the recommendations of the new pay commission, we will be able to ensure a more favorable pay structure next year," the adviser made this hope at a press briefing.
Teachers argue that despite promises reportedly from Education Adviser CR Abrar, these benefits have not been officially gazetted. Many believe the current Tk 500 increase is insufficient and does not match the assurances made. As Masud Parvez, a lecturer in Kurigram, put it, "The government is mocking us. We will not return home until the nationalisation demand is met." Similarly, Habibur Rahman from Rangpur highlighted the disparity faced by educators, "We are the architects of humanity, yet we face discrimination."
The current continuous sit-in follows an ultimatum issued by the alliance on 13 August, demanding the nationalisation of MPO-listed private educational institutions along with increased benefits. Teachers have reportedly been protesting for these benefits since 2011 and are pushing the interim government to translate verbal assurances into official gazettes.
PT/ra
