The government has recommended increasing the house rent allowance for teachers of MPO-listed non-government educational institutions by 5 percent or a minimum of Tk 2,000, Education Adviser Prof CR Abrar said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, the education adviser said although teachers have been demanding a 20 percent hike in their house rent allowance, the government has recommended a 5 percent rise or at least Tk 2,000, considering its financial capacity.

He also mentioned that under the upcoming pay commission, the government will work to ensure a more dignified salary structure for teachers next year.

After the press conference, Prof Abrar sat for a meeting with representatives of agitating teachers who have been demonstrating for various demands.

Meanwhile, teachers of MPO-listed non-government educational institutions continued their protest for the fifth consecutive day, demanding a 20 percent house rent allowance, Tk 1,500 medical allowance, and 75 percent festival allowance for employees.

They have been staging a sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar while work abstention continues at non-government MPO-listed institutions across the country.

The teachers warned of tougher programmes, including a one-point demand for nationalisation, if their demands are not met soon.

Earlier, the Education Ministry sent a proposal to the Finance Ministry recommending an increase in the house rent allowance. The proposal suggested several options—5, 10, 15, and 20 percent hikes—based on the government’s financial capacity.