Over 2,600 educational institutions to be included in MPO: Education Adviser

The interim government will finalize MPO (Monthly Payment Order) enlistment for more than 2,600 eligible educational institutions across the country, including general and technical ones, Education Adviser Prof Dr Chowdhury Rafikul Abrar announced on Monday (17 November).

He made the remarks during a meeting with journalists at his office in the Education Ministry at the Secretariat. Earlier, a meeting was held at the ministry under his chairmanship with the Non-MPO Unity Council, attended by leaders from various political parties.

The participants included Prof Mujibur Rahman, Naib-e-Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami; Zonayed Saki, Convener of Gono Songhoti Andolon; Rajekuzzaman Ratan, Assistant General Secretary of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal; Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, General Secretary of Dhaka South City unit of Jamaat-e-Islami; Prof Omar Faruk, President of Education Department of Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party; and Maulana Md Faisal, Organising Secretary of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, among others.

The meeting discussed the long-awaited MPO enlistment process for teachers and staff of non-MPO institutions, its policy framework, implementation strategy and ongoing government steps.

Prof Abrar urged political parties to declare now that they will continue the MPO process and enhance teachers' dignity if they come to power, establishing national consensus.

He said efforts are underway to encourage protesting teachers to return to work, and such declarations from parties would assure them of broader support.

The adviser noted that Tk 200 crore was allocated this fiscal year for MPO enlistment, of which Tk 50 crore went to house rent hikes, bonuses and other sectors. However, previously rejected eligible institutions, including those denied multiple times, are now under consideration.

Prof Abrar emphasised that MPO will mainly promote technical education to advance the country, prioritising institutions that promote vocational training over blanket inclusions. He called on political parties to focus on technical education.

Bangladesh has over 37,000 private schools, colleges and madrasas, with about 5,000 non-MPO. MPO allows salary and allowances from the government treasury. Private institutions offer two types of pay: MPO and institution-funded. However, most lack their own revenue sources.