Thousands of teachers have gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to participate in the 'March to Secretariat' program of private MPO teachers demanding a 20 percent increase in rent. They will leave for the Secretariat in a few minutes.

This image was seen at the Central Shaheed Minar on Tuesday (October 14) at 12 noon.

Teacher Abul Bashar, joint member secretary of the Nationalization Aspiring Alliance, told "We will start the 'March to Secretariat' journey towards the Secretariat in a few moments to implement our demands."

He also said, "The police attacked the teachers. If we are attacked today, a stricter program will be announced."

The teachers said that their strike will continue. No teacher will participate in class activities until a notification is issued for 20 percent house rent, 1,500 taka medical allowance, and 75 percent festival allowance for employees.

Earlier, classes in all private MPO-listed educational institutions across the country have been suspended since Monday morning, demanding a 20 percent increase in house rent allowance and protesting police force. As a result, class activities in schools and colleges across the country have come to a standstill.

The protesting teachers said the government's proposed increase in rent and medical allowances is "insufficient and unrealistic." They demanded an increase in allowances by 20 percent of the basic salary and the implementation of a universal transfer policy.

On Sunday afternoon, during a sit-in program in front of the National Press Club, there was a scuffle and sound grenades were thrown when the police tried to remove the teachers. This created tension in the area. Later, at the call of the leaders of the organization, the teachers took a stand at the Shaheed Minar and announced a continuous movement from there.

Teachers stayed under the open sky at the central Shaheed Minar in the capital all night on Sunday and Monday. Some spent the night laying plastic sheets, others with banners under their heads. They demanded that the strike and agitation will continue until a notification is issued.

On the other hand, private MPO teachers across the country are currently on strike. Although they are regularly present at school every day, they are not entering any classrooms or participating in teaching activities. They are continuing their sit-in program by sitting in the school yard, teacher lounge or office.

Besides, teachers are also protesting in various places with banners and placards in their hands. In addition, district and upazila level teachers are posting numerous posts on social media Facebook expressing solidarity with the protesting teachers in Dhaka.