BM Desk : In response to ongoing protests, the interim government of Bangladesh has decided to increase the house rent allowance for teachers and staff of MPO-enlisted non-government educational institutions to 15% of their basic salary.

The allowance will be implemented in two phases 7.5% will take effect from November 1, 2025, while the remaining 7.5% will be effective from July 1, 2026. The decision was made during a meeting held on Tuesday, October 21, between Education Adviser Professor C.R. Abrar and representatives of the protesting teachers. A formal notification is expected to be issued soon. On the same day, the Finance Division of the Education Ministry approved the decision and sent an official letter to the Ministry of Education.

Previously, the government had proposed a 5% increase in house rent allowance (minimum Tk 2,000), but the offer was rejected by teachers and staff, who continued their demonstrations.

The protests, under the banner of the MPO-Enlisted Teachers’ Nationalization Alliance, began on October 12, demanding a 20% house rent allowance, an increase in medical allowance from Tk 500 to Tk 1,500, and a raise in the festival bonus from 50% to 75% of basic salary. On October 17, they added a new demand for the nationalization of all non-government educational institutions.