Dhaka: Non-MPO teachers on Monday went on a fast-unto-death strike in the capital demanding that their job be brought under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) facilities.

Under the banner of Non-MPO Bangladesh Shikkhak Oikya Parishad, the teachers were observing the indefinite hunger strike in front of National Press Club.

Pradip Chandra Roy, president of the Oikya Parishad, said although they were appointed following proper procedures five years ago, their jobs are yet to be brought under the MPO facilities because of a circular of the Education Ministry issued on 12 November 2011.

He said they have already submitted a memorandum to the prime minister, the Education Minister and the Education Secretary requesting them to withdraw the circular.

Pradip said non-MPO teachers and employees have been passing their days in hardship for years.  

Claiming that about 15,000 non-MPO teachers appointed in different educational institutions are participating in the hunger strike, he warned that they will continue their programme until the cancellation of the circular, which creates impediment to nationalisation of their jobs.

Non-MPO Bangladesh Shikkhak Oikya Parishad General Secretary Kamal Hossain and its organising secretary Mustafizur Rahman, among others, joined the hunger strike programme.