February Salaries for Over 400,000 MPO Teachers and Staff Still Unpaid

More than 400,000 teachers and staff working in non-government schools and colleges under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) system have yet to receive their February salaries, even though approval was granted last Tuesday. The delay in fund release from the Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS) has left many unable to complete Eid shopping, with growing frustration among affected employees.

According to sources at the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), approval for February salaries was issued on Tuesday, and the related data was subsequently forwarded to iBAS. However, as of 11:10 a.m. Sunday (8 March), no disbursement had occurred through iBAS, meaning the funds have not reached the designated banks responsible for MPO payments.

DSHE Director (Finance and Purchase) Professor Mohammad Monir Hossain Patwary told The Daily Campus: “The salary data has not yet been released from iBAS. We are working to ensure the release happens today.”

When asked about the impact on teachers who are unable to do Eid shopping due to the delay, he replied: “We are fully aware of the teachers’ situation. The delay is due to technical reasons. We expect the matter to be resolved today.”

The salary processing for MPO-covered teachers and staff follows a structured digital system. Institution heads submit salary proposals each month online. After verification and cross-checking, the proposals are coordinated with the Ministry of Finance for final approval. Once cleared, the funds are transferred to the respective banks.

The government introduced the digital bill submission and approval process to ensure regular and transparent disbursement of salaries and allowances for MPO-covered personnel. While the system has improved transparency, delays at the iBAS stage continue to affect timely payment.

Many teachers expressed disappointment that the delay is occurring just before Eid, when financial pressures are highest for families.