MPO inclusion: Special school teachers’ sit-in enters 33rd day

They say the month-long protest has drawn no “positive” move from the government

Teachers from schools for people with disabilities are continuing their sit-in outside the National Press Club in Dhaka, pressing for MPO inclusion along with four related demands.

Thursday marked the 33rd day of the nonstop programme, which began on Oct 26 under the banner of the Bangladesh Coordination Council of Schools for Persons with Disabilities.

The teachers say no “positive” move has come from the interim government during the month-long protest, adding that they will remain at the site until their demands are met.

They have tried several times to march towards the chief advisor’s residence and the Secretariat, but police blocked each attempt.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, teacher Abul Kalam Azad said: “After 33 days of our sit-in, we have still not received any positive message from the government.

“On Wednesday, when we moved towards the Secretariat to besiege it, police stopped us.”

“If the MPO demand is not met, we will not return to the classroom,” he added.

Their demands are:

● Immediate recognition and MPO inclusion of all special (autistic and disability-focused) schools.

● Ensuring disability-friendly infrastructure in all special schools.

● Guaranteeing a Tk 3,000 education stipend for all special-needs students.

● Introducing mid-day meals, providing education materials and sports equipment, and opening therapy centres for students.

● Creating employment and rehabilitation opportunities under technical education programmes, and ensuring the disability quota in all jobs.