BNP warns against using teachers' protest to derail democratic transition
If voted to power, BNP says it would consider expanding teachers’ financial security, regularising their jobs, and gradually nationalising all educational institutions
The BNP has warned that it will not remain flexible if anyone attempts to exploit teachers' justified movement to create unrest and obstruct the country's democratic transition ahead of the upcoming election.
In a statement issued to the media today (18 October), BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "If allies of the fallen autocrat attempt to use the teachers' legitimate movement as a pretext to deliberately create chaos and destabilise the country, thereby obstructing a fair democratic transition through the upcoming elections, the BNP will not show any flexibility in resisting such attempts."
He said BNP and its acting chairman Tarique Rahman, as part of a responsible political party, "stand in principle" with the teachers' legitimate demands.
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"Ensuring fair financial benefits, job security, and the highest social dignity and state recognition for teachers' contributions has always been a top priority for the BNP," Fakhrul said.
"We believe that no reform of the state or politics, nor any initiative for civic progress, will yield meaningful results unless the education system is modernised and teachers' socio-economic security and honour are ensured," he added.
BNP secretary general further said that if the party is once again given the responsibility to run the state through the people's mandate, it will positively consider "expanding the financial safety net for teachers, regularising their employment, and gradually nationalising all educational institutions" in line with the state's capacity.
MPO-listed teachers and staff have been demonstrating for years to press home their demands for nationalisation of private educational institutions and an increase in various allowances.
Their current wave of protests began in mid-August when they issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding implementation of a 20% house rent allowance, Tk1,500 medical allowance, and a 75% festival bonus. Although the education ministry reportedly agreed in principle to some of these demands, it cited budget limitations and promised gradual implementation, which the teachers rejected.
Frustrated over repeated delays and what they termed "verbal assurances without gazette notifications," the protesters have since intensified their movement through sit-ins, rallies, and blockades across the country, vowing to continue until their demands are officially met.
