Non-MPO teachers call off hunger strike

The teachers demonstrating for inclusion of their private institutions in the government's Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme called off a hunger strike on Wednesday after over a month following intervention of eminent citizens, reports bdnews24.com.
They withdrew the 32-day hunger strike programme when four eminent citizens, including National Professor Anisuzzaman, met them in front of the National Press Club in the city in the afternoon.
Prof Anisuzzaman said he saw hopes in Hasina's comments in parliament to resolve the non-MPO teachers' problems.
"I hope the education ministry will find a way out of the situation," he added.
"It is my sincere request to you as a colleague that you will break the fast, considering the possible harms of the students," he added.
The three others who accompanied him included former adviser to a caretaker government Rasheda K Chowdhury, Liberation War Museum Trustees Ziauddin Tariq Ali and Dr Sarwar Ali.
Principal Golam Mahmudunnabi, president of the Federation of Non-MPO Teachers and Employees, expressed gratitude to the four eminent citizens for their concerns over the striking teachers.
"We hope the prime minister will fulfil the hope she has given us," he said.
Speaking in parliament on July 4, Hasina assured the striking teachers of taking quick steps to implement the MPO scheme as per the recently issued guidelines.