Dhaka: Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has announced that the interim government is set to finalize the MPO (Monthly Payment Order) enlistment of more than 2,600 educational institutions across the country, including general and technical institutions. ‘We are finalizing the list of over 2600 educational institutions across the country for MPO registration,’ he said during an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) at his ministry office of Bangladesh Secretariat here today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, as part of the government move, the Education Adviser further stated that Tk 200 crore has been allocated in the current fiscal year to include non-MPO educational institutions under MPO coverage. ‘Of the amount, Tk 50 crore has been set aside for other expenses, including increased rent and bonuses,’ he added. The government is also reviewing cases of institutions that failed to be included in the MPO process despite repeated applications and eligibility.
The objective of the MPO expansion is to advance the country in the field of technology, with special attention being given to institutions promoting technical education that remain outside MPO registration. He emphasized the need for political parties to prioritize technical education as part of their policy decisions. The Education Adviser urged political parties to publicly declare their commitment to continuing the MPO enrollment process and improving the status of teachers when they assume power.
The government is attempting to ease tensions and allow agitating teachers to return home. A public declaration from political parties would reassure teachers that a broader national consensus has been reached on this issue, he noted. Earlier in the afternoon, an important meeting was held with the Non-MPO Oikya Parishad at the ministry, chaired by the Education Adviser. Top leaders from various political parties of the country were present at the meeting, including Chairman of the Teachers-Workers Unity Alliance and BNP Central Organizing Secretary Principal Md. Selim Bhuiyan, Nayeb-e-Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Professor Mujibur Rahman, and others.