Thousands of teachers from across the country, under the banner of the Alliance for the Nationalisation of MPO-Listed Education, staged a sit-in outside the National Press Club in the capital, demanding the immediate nationalisation of their institutions.
The protest brought traffic on both sides of Topkhana Road to a standstill, forcing vehicles to take alternative routes.
The demonstrators began gathering on Wednesday morning, occupying the road from the Secretariat intersection to the Kadam Fountain area.
They vowed not to leave until their demands are met.
The alliance leaders said that during a 2018 movement, the government had promised nationalisation, introducing a 5% annual increment and a 20% Pahela Baishakh allowance.
However, the core promise of nationalisation remains unfulfilled, they alleged,
They also claimed that during discussions with the current interim government, the education adviser had assured them of ending discrimination in benefits.
On February 12 this year, during the 22nd day of a continuous sit-in, they were told that the festival allowance would be increased by 25%, and housing rent, medical, and recreation allowances would be implemented in the budget.
Although funds were allocated, no official notification has been issued, they said.
The alliance had set August 10 as the deadline for issuing the gazette, warning of intensified protests if the demand was ignored.
