Festival Allowance for MPO Teachers Set to Rise to 60%

The Ministry of Education has taken the initiative to increase the festival allowance for MPO-covered teachers and staff in non-government educational institutions from the current rate to 60% of basic salary (an increase of 10%). The Secondary and Higher Education Division has sought a proposal from the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) in this regard.

A source in the Secondary and Higher Education Division told The Daily Campus on Wednesday (4 March) that raising the festival allowance to 60% could require an additional Tk 200 to 250 crore. The exact total amount will be determined after receiving proposals from the directorates. Once the proposals arrive, they will be reviewed and sent to the Ministry of Finance for approval.

A ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Daily Campus: “We are trying to ensure that teachers and staff receive the enhanced festival allowance before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. For this, the directorates have been asked to submit proposals quickly. Once the proposals are received, the approval process will begin immediately.”

It is worth noting that previously, MPO-covered teachers received festival allowance equivalent to 25% of basic salary, while staff received 50%. Last year, following intense protests by the MPO Nationalization Aspiring Teachers’ Coalition, the allowance for teachers was increased by 25% to 50%. Now, the Ministry of Education has initiated a further 10% increase for both teachers and staff.