Madrasah teachers stage demonstration demanding MPO inclusion

Teachers from primary schools and independent madrasas have been continuing separate demonstrations in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, demanding the nationalisation of independent madrasas and the inclusion of special schools for the disabled under the Monthly Payment Order (MPO) system, among other demands.

Since 19 August, teachers have held human chains and demonstrations at various locations, including the National Press Club, the Secretariat, and the state guest house Jamuna.

In the demonstration organised by the Bangladesh Independent Ebtedayee Madrasah Teachers' Association today, teachers said they have been teaching young children without salaries since 1984 and are currently living in subhuman conditions.

They demanded that madrasahs be brought under the MPO system, similar to many private primary schools, as madrasah teachers teach students following the government-mandated syllabus.

Meanwhile, teachers from special schools across the country are also currently demonstrating under the banner of the Unity Forum of Anti-Discrimination Teachers-Employees of School for the Disabled, demanding similar recognition and inclusion under the MPO system.

They are demanding recognition and inclusion under the MPO system, as well as a few other demands.

Their other demands include ensuring the construction of modern, disability-friendly infrastructure in all schools, timely implementation of the special education curriculum for students, ensuring a modern therapy centre, providing mid-day meals and educational materials for all students, increasing the disability allowance to Tk5,000, and ensuring that poor students and their guardians can lead a self-reliant life after completing their education.

Addressing the demonstration today, Syed Shahjahan Ahmed, the central coordinator of the movement, said that there are 1,772 unrecognised schools for the disabled across the country. About two lakh students with various disabilities study in these schools.

"There are about 60,000 teachers and staff here. As they are not included in the MPO, these teachers and staff are facing severe financial hardship," he said.