The government has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing the festival allowance for non-government MPO-enlisted teachers from 50 per cent to 100 per cent of their basic salary, marking a significant step towards improving financial benefits in the education sector.
Education Adviser Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan reiterated the pledge while addressing a programme as the chief guest on Tuesday (14 April). He stated that the government had already raised the allowance from 25 per cent to 50 per cent in a previous phase and is now working towards doubling it fully to match the basic salary.
The proposed adjustment, once implemented, would effectively mean that eligible teachers receive a full basic salary as festival allowance during major religious and national celebrations.
Proposed Change in Festival Allowance
| Category |
Previous Rate |
Current Rate |
Proposed Rate |
| Festival Allowance (MPO Teachers) |
25% of basic salary |
50% of basic salary |
100% of basic salary |
Commitment to Teachers’ Welfare
Speaking at the event, Dr Milan emphasised that strengthening the education system and ensuring dignity for teachers remain among the government’s top priorities. He acknowledged that successive administrations had announced various initiatives for educators in the past, many of which were not fully implemented, and said the current administration is committed to completing those unfinished reforms.
He stressed that teachers play a central role in shaping morally grounded, skilled, and responsible citizens. Therefore, ensuring their financial security, professional stability, and social recognition is essential for broader national development.
According to him, the proposed increase in festival allowance is part of a wider effort to enhance the welfare framework for teachers working under the MPO (Monthly Pay Order) system, who constitute a significant portion of Bangladesh’s non-government education workforce.
Broader Focus on Education Reform
The Education Adviser also highlighted that the government is working to address long-standing structural challenges in the education sector in a phased and sustainable manner. He noted that reforms would not be implemented in isolation but as part of a broader strategy linking education, agriculture, and healthcare.
He further underscored the importance of coordinated development across these three sectors, stating that human capital development cannot be achieved without parallel improvements in food security, public health, and educational quality.
Emphasis on Agriculture and Rural Development
During the programme, Dr Milan also referred to ongoing initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity and enhancing the status of farmers. He said that strengthening rural livelihoods remains a key component of the government’s development agenda, particularly in ensuring balanced national progress.
He expressed optimism that integrated policy measures across sectors would help drive positive structural changes in the economy and improve overall living standards.
Towards Implementation
The announcement has been widely interpreted as a strong indication that the long-discussed demand for a full 100 per cent festival allowance for MPO-enlisted teachers is now closer to implementation. However, officials have yet to confirm a specific timeline for execution.
If implemented, the policy would represent one of the most significant financial benefit enhancements for non-government teachers in recent years, potentially easing long-standing concerns regarding remuneration and job satisfaction in the sector.
Expected Impact
Education sector observers believe the move could have several implications, including improved morale among teachers, greater retention in rural and semi-urban institutions, and enhanced recognition of the teaching profession.
While stakeholders await formal policy approval and budgetary allocation, the reaffirmation of the commitment has renewed optimism among teachers’ associations that long-standing demands may soon be addressed.
As the government continues to position education as a central pillar of national development, the proposed doubling of festival allowances signals a broader attempt to strengthen institutional support for educators and reinforce the social value of teaching in Bangladesh.
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