Police have blocked a procession of non-Monthly Pay Order (MPO) teachers and employees who were marching towards the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Around 7,000 teachers and employees under the banner of Non-MPO Educational Institutions Teachers and the Employees' Federation started their march from the National Press Club on Thursday (Mar 21).
Obstructed by the police at the Kadan Fountain intersection, they took position on the street pressing their demands for MPO enlistment.
“We have been asking the government to enroll non-MPO teachers and employees under the MPO scheme for a long time now,” said Federation President Principle Golam Mahmudunnabi Dollar.
“However, more than one-and-a-half years have passed without any steps after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina assured us on the matter,” he added.
He said that they have no intention of violence and are marching towards the PMO to meet her and make their demands.
“Any procession or march toward the prime minister's office cannot be allowed under any circumstances. That is why we have been forced to halt the demonstration,“ said Shahbagh police Inspector (patrol) Bashar when asked why the march was obstructed,
“We can arrange for the Teachers Federation to submit a petition to the Prime Minister if they want,” he added.
He said that the teachers are blocking the street and police are monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the road blockage has caused a gridlock from Paltan to Kadam Fountain and the police have urged the agitators to free up at least one lane so that the vehicles can move.