In Ulipur, Kurigram, teachers and staff from non-government schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions held a protest and rally demanding a 20% house rent allowance, a monthly medical allowance of Tk 1,500, and full festival bonuses. The protest also condemned the recent police attacks and arrests of teachers in Dhaka.
The demonstration, organised by the Upazila Combined Teachers’ Association, took place on Tuesday afternoon. All MPO-registered teachers and staff gathered at the Ulipur Upazila Auditorium, from where a protest march began. The rally moved through the town’s main roads and concluded at the Shaheed Minar, where a brief discussion was held.
Over a thousand teachers and staff from around 145 schools, colleges, and madrasas participated in the demonstration.
The event was presided over by Principal Obaidur Rahman Bulbul of Bajra L.K. Amin Degree College. The discussion was conducted by Assistant Professor Shamim Akhtar Amin of Pachpir Degree College. Speakers included Principal Debabrata Roy of Ulipur Women’s Degree College, Principal Maulana Shafiqul Rahman of Ulipur Alia Fazil (Degree) Madrasa, Principal Mobasher Rashedin of Balar Char Nasiria Fazil Madrasa, Assistant Professor Solaiman Ali Sarkar of Krishnamangal School and College, Superintendent Abu Sayeed of Dhamsreni Indrarpara Girls’ Dakhil Madrasa, and Head Teacher Shyamal Chandra of Ulipur Women’s Collegiate High School, among others.
Speakers affirmed that their demands are fair and justified. They warned that if their demands are not met immediately, the movement will continue. The teachers also strongly condemned the police assault on educators in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka last Sunday.
