‘Govt committed to improving teachers’ standard of living’

City Desk:

Education Adviser Prof. Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar on Tuesday said the government is committed to improving living standard of teachers as it has increased house rent allowance for Monthly Pay Order (MPO)-listed non-government educational institutions’ teachers and employees to 15 percent of their basic salary.

“As a teacher myself, I feel fortunate to be part of a process that ensures teachers receive house rent allowance at a percentage rate they have long demanded,” says a press release quoted the Education Adviser as saying.

Reflecting on the development, CR Abrar added that this step is a testament to the state’s responsibility toward those who shape the future of the nation.

According to an official order issued by the Finance Division today, the new allowance will be implemented in two phases. Teachers and employees will receive 7.5 percent of their basic salary (with a minimum of Tk 2,000) starting from November 1, 2025. The remaining 7.5 percent will be added from July 1, 2026, bringing the total house rent allowance to 15 percent. The Finance Division approved this increase considering current budgetary limitations, noting that the added benefits will be adjusted in the next national pay scale.

The measure, however, comes with strict financial compliance requirements. The order clarified that this adjustment will not generate any arrear claims and that all financial regulations must be followed meticulously.

Any irregularities will hold the bill-approving authorities accountable. The implementation must also adhere to the applicable MPO policies, including the Non-Government Educational Institution (School and College) Manpower Structure and MPO Policy 2021, the Madrasah MPO Policy 2018 (amended up to November 23, 2020), and the Vocational, Business Management, Agriculture and Fisheries Diploma MPO Policy 2018 (amended up to November 23, 2020).