MPO Teachers, Staff to See 10% Hike in Festival Allowance

The Ministry of Education has initiated a move to increase the festival allowance for MPO-affiliated teachers and employees by 10%, bringing the total to 60% of their basic salary. The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has been asked to submit a formal proposal to finalize the budget.

Sources within the DSHE stated on Wednesday (March 4) that increasing the allowance to 60% will require an additional 200 to 250 crore taka. Once the DSHE submits the cost breakdown, the Ministry of Education will review it and forward it to the Finance Ministry for final approval.

"We aim to disburse the increased allowance before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr," a ministry official told the media. "Departments have been instructed to fast-track the proposal to ensure timely processing."

Previously, MPO teachers received 25% and employees received 50% of their basic salary as a festival bonus. Following demonstrations by teachers' alliances last year, the government raised the teachers' share to 50%. This latest 10% increase will bring both groups to a uniform 60% allowance.