350,000 Teachers to Celebrate Eid Without Salaries

Staff Correspondent

As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, the country is immersed in festive preparations. However, the joy has eluded 350,000 MPO-enlisted teachers who have not received their salaries or allowances. Delays in processing by the Ministry of Finance and other relevant offices have dampened their Eid celebrations.

Mohammad Hossain, a teacher at a private school in Gaibandha, expressed his frustration: “I have a job but no salary. Forget giving gifts to my parents, I can’t even buy anything for myself. I’ve taken on debts during Ramadan, and now I have no idea how to manage.”

Teacher Fahmida Zaman added, “I haven’t received my salary since December. I’m avoiding people during Eid to escape the embarrassment. My two children received new clothes from their grandparents; otherwise, their Eid would have been ruined too.”

In January, 189,000 teachers received their salaries via EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer). While some teachers were paid in subsequent phases, February salaries and Eid bonuses remain unpaid for everyone.

Baharul Islam, a teacher from Feni, described his dire situation: “I had to borrow money to travel home for Eid. I owe a month’s rent, I’m paying off loan installments, and I even owe money for medicines. How long can I survive like this?”

The teachers attribute the issue to a lack of goodwill among officials. Although the Ministry of Education approved the payments, delays at the Ministry of Finance and banking complications have stalled the disbursement.

Khondaker Azizur Rahman, Senior System Analyst of the MIS Cell, explained: “The new digital process takes time. Errors in names and discrepancies in identity documents have delayed many teachers’ information. We’re working to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.”

Professor Dr. Muhammad Azad Khan, Director General of DSHE, stated, “Paying salaries to 400,000 teachers and staff online is a complex task. We’ve completed our part, and the Ministry of Education has approved the payments. Now it’s up to the Ministry of Finance and banks to disburse the funds.”

Md. Shanto Ali, Senior Vice-President of the Bangladesh Teachers Forum, voiced his disappointment: “The negligence toward teachers has deeply upset and angered us. Why weren’t their salaries and bonuses paid before Eid? The joy of Eid has been taken away from hundreds of thousands of teachers. We demand immediate salary disbursement.”

The teachers have called on the government to address the issue promptly, warning of larger protests if their demands remain unmet.