Their ultimatum expired at noon
MPO Teachers Block Shahbagh
On the third day of their indefinite strike, non-government MPO-listed teachers blockaded Shahbag, demanding a 20 percent house rent allowance, increased medical allowance, and education nationalization.
Around 2:00pm, police set up barricades near the National Library to stop them, but the teachers broke through and occupied Shahbag intersection, chanting slogans.
Earlier, at 1:40pm, they marched from Shaheed Minar, carrying national flags and placards with their demands. From morning, teachers gathered at Shaheed Minar, their numbers growing through the day. They chanted slogans like “End salary discrimination!” and “Protect teachers’ dignity!” while displaying banners and festoons. The Shaheed Minar premises were packed, with some seeking shade under nearby trees. Leaders vowed to continue until their demands are met.
Delawar Hossain Azizi, member-secretary of the MPO-listed Teachers Nationalisation Aspiring Alliance, said the blockade, planned for noon, was delayed as National Citizen Party (NCP) and university teachers’ forum leaders were to discuss with them at Shaheed Minar.
He said, “20 percent means 20 percent, not 19.99; Tk 1,500 medical allowance means Tk 1,500, not Tk 1,499; 75 percent festival bonus means 75 percent, not 74. We won’t leave the streets or budge an inch until these three demands are met.”
