Teachers of MPO-listed educational institutions, who have been demonstrating in Dhaka for several days, met officials of the education ministry at the Secretariat this morning.

“A 15-member teachers’ delegation is participating in the meeting, where representatives from other ministries and departments are also present,” said Delwar Hossain Azizi, member secretary of the Alliance for Nationalisation of MPO Institutions, which is leading the protests.

“We are hopeful that the ongoing crisis will be resolved through today’s discussion,” he told The Daily Star.

Meanwhile, at least five teachers observing a hunger strike fell sick today.

Several thousand teachers have been demonstrating to press home demands, including increasing the house rent allowance to 20 percent of their basic salary.

On October 12, MPO-listed teachers from across the country gathered in front of the Jatiya Press Club to press for their demands. Police dispersed them using water cannons, batons, and sound grenades.

Later, the teachers took position at the Central Shaheed Minar, where they protested the police action and announced a countrywide work abstention from the following day.

During their eight-day protest, the teachers blocked Shahbagh intersection and threatened to march towards Jamuna, the chief adviser’s residence.

The teachers began a hunger strike unto death on October 17, saying they would continue until their demands are met.

MPO-listed teachers are those working at private schools and colleges that receive government funding under the monthly pay order system.