Ebtedayee Madrasah Teachers Demand MPO, Grants Release

Special Correspondent: The Shotonanvukto Shadhin Ebtedayee Madrasa Shikkhok Kollan Committee staged a human chain and submitted a memorandum demanding immediate implementation of MPO for grant-enlisted independent ebtedayee madrasas—registered by the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board and verified under the 2025 policy—as well as the swift release of grants for non-grant teachers. The human chain was held at 10:00 am on Tuesday in front of the Directorate of Madrasah Education. The program was presided over by the organization’s convener, Maulana Shamsul Haque Ansari, and moderated by member secretary Hafez Maulana Mufti Abdul Hannan Hossain. Teacher leaders from various districts and upazilas took part.  After the human chain, a memorandum was submitted to the Education Minister, the Secretary, and the Director General of the Directorate of Madrasah Education.  Demands from Speakers: Speakers at the program said that on August 10, 2025, the Technical and Madrasah Education Division of the Ministry of Education gave final approval for the release of grants to non-grant teachers working in vacant posts. Yet, even after 10 months, the Directorate of Madrasah Education has not released grants to a single teacher. As a result, 1,690 teachers remain deprived of their rightful dues despite being on duty.  They further said that independent ebtedayee madrasas were recognized in 1984 under Section 17(2) of the 1978 Ordinance. In 1994, teachers were given an allowance of Tk 500, and in 2001, free textbooks and stipends were introduced, similar to primary schools. However, while 26,019 registered primary schools were nationalized in 2013, not a single independent ebtedayee madrasa has been nationalized or brought under MPO.  “Despite board recognition, teachers have no salary or allowances, no job security, and no other financial benefits. This is hampering the quality of education, and meritorious individuals are losing interest in the profession,” said coordinator Maulana Sheikh Nazrul Islam Mahbub.  He added that although nationalization of independent ebtedayee madrasas was announced during the interim government, it has yet to be implemented.  Leaders Present: Also present at the human chain were coordinator Maulana Habibur Rahman; Md. Shamsul Alam, Secretary General of Bangladesh Shadhin Ebtedayee Madrasa Shikkhok Parishad; Maulana Bashirullah Atahari, President of the Anudan Bihin Shadhin Ebtedayee Madrasa Shikkhok Samiti; spokesperson Md. Rakibul Islam; Md. Golam Azam; Maulana A. Rahman Shahjahan; Nazrul Islam Hiron; Jahangir Alam Badsha; Maulana Abdus Sattar; Maulana Juhurul Alam; Maulana Omar Faruk; Maulana Abul Kalam Azad; Maulana Akram Hossain; Nurunnabi; Md. Joynal Abedin; Nazrul Islam; Maulana Belayet; Maulana A. Rahim; Maulana Rabiul Islam; Maulana Shariful Islam; and Maulana Gazi Mazedul Haque, along with other responsible leaders from various districts and upazilas.  Ultimatum: The organizers said that if their demands are not met by May 20, 2026, they will hold a human chain with teachers in front of the National Press Club on May 21, followed by a continuous sit-in program. They also announced a boycott of Eid festivities.  They strongly demanded the immediate release of grants from January 2026 to May 2026 and the urgent implementation of MPO for grant-enlisted independent ebtedayee madrasash.