BNP's full support for teachers' demands, assurance of nationalization

BNP has expressed solidarity with the ongoing movement of teachers and employees of private educational institutions under MPO. The protesters have been holding a program for the past 9 days to fulfill various demands, including a 20 percent rent increase.

Attending a mass meeting held at the central Shaheed Minar on Monday (October 20) afternoon, BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie called for the teachers' fair demands to be accepted immediately. He said, "The interim government has already agreed with the teachers' demands. However, 5 percent rent is not sufficient, it should be considered specifically."

Annie also said that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had announced before the movement that all private MPO-affiliated teachers and employees would be fully nationalized if BNP forms the government after the elections. He reiterated this promise to prevent teachers from taking to the streets repeatedly and to ensure that they are seated in a dignified position.

The teachers' leaders have warned that they will not return to the classroom until their three-point demands of increasing rent, medical allowance and festival allowance are accepted. The teachers are also going on a hunger strike to death during the rally.

Apart from BNP, various political parties including the Gana Odhikar Parishad and NCP have expressed solidarity with the teachers' movement. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury thanked them for the orderly management of the teachers' work program.