Nationwide Protests Erupt as Teachers Reject Government's Five Percent House Rent Allowance

Thousands of teachers from non-government educational institutions across Bangladesh have been protesting for eight consecutive days, rejecting the government's decision to approve a five percent house rent allowance with a minimum of Tk 2,000 per month. The teachers are demanding a 20 percent house rent allowance along with Tk 1,500 for medical expenses and 75 percent festival allowances. Despite the government's claims that the new allowance will increase house rent for 89 percent of teachers by more than 8.7 percent, the protesting teachers argue that this increase is insufficient to cover their rising living costs amid inflation and economic pressure.

Key Takeaways:

• The protesting teachers are demanding a 20 percent house rent allowance, Tk 1,500 for medical expenses, and 75 percent festival allowances, which they claim are essential to cover their living costs.
• The government's newly approved five percent house rent allowance with a minimum of Tk 2,000 per month has been rejected by the teachers, who argue that it is insufficient and unacceptable.
• The circular approving the five percent house rent allowance was signed by Deputy Secretary Maryam Mitu and was effective from November 1.
• The protesting teachers have been joined by hundreds of their colleagues from different districts, with many carrying empty plates and bowls as a symbol of their financial struggle.
• The movement has been ongoing for eight consecutive days, with teachers occupying the Shaheed Minar area in Dhaka and vowing to continue protests until their demands are accepted.
• The teachers' movement has received support from various quarters, with leaders of the Jatiyakaran Andolon Oikya Jote (Nationalisation Movement Unity Alliance) meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who assured that BNP would prioritize the nationalisation of MPO-listed educational institutions if they come to power.

The protesting teachers are adamant that they will not return home until their demands are met, with many expressing frustration at the government's refusal to accept their legitimate demands. Asad Mia, a protesting teacher, blamed the "fascist influence" inside the Ministry of Education for delaying a solution, while Mohammad Shah Alam, Member Secretary of the Bangladesh Non-Government Teachers' Forum, stated that the government's decision was "unacceptable" and that they would continue their movement until the government approves a 20 percent house rent allowance, Tk 1,500 medical allowance, and 75 percent festival bonus.

Statistics:

• 89 percent of teachers will see an increase in house rent by more than 8.7 percent with the new five percent house rent allowance.
• 75 percent of teachers will see an increase in house rent by more than nine percent.
• 56 percent of teachers will see an increase in house rent by more than 12 percent.
• The teachers are demanding a 20 percent house rent allowance, Tk 1,500 for medical expenses, and 75 percent festival allowances.
• The protests have been ongoing for eight consecutive days, with thousands of teachers joining the movement in Dhaka.

Sources:

• The New Nation
• Bangladesh Non-Government Teachers' Forum
• Nationalization-Seeking Teachers' Alliance
• Jatiyakaran Andolon Oikya Jote (Nationalisation Movement Unity Alliance)
• BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir