DHAKA, June 29, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 1,519 independent Ebtedayee madrasas, currently receiving grant support, are set to be brought under the government's monthly pay order (MPO) system, subject to certain conditions.

To this end, the government has already issued a public notice. 

However, eligibility for inclusion in MPO is contingent upon compliance with the guidelines for establishing independent Ebtedayee madrasas, as well as adherence to the teaching recognition, administrative and staffing structures, and other specific criteria outlined in the MPO Policy 2025, according to the notification.

The notification was issued on June 26, signed by Md. Abdul Hannan, Deputy Secretary of the MPO Section under the Technical and Madrasa Education Division of the Ministry of Education.

It said online applications for MPO registration of the grant-aided Ebtedayee madrasas will be accepted between July 3 and July 10. 

Applications can be submitted through the link titled "Online Ebtedie MPO Application" displayed on the website of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division of the Ministry of Education (www.tmed.gov.bd), the website of the Directorate of Madrasa Education (www.dme.gov.bd), or the website of the Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics (BANBEIS) (www.banbeis.gov.bd).

Applications for MPO inclusion of grant-recipient independent Ebtedayee madrasas will not be accepted directly, by email, or by letter at the Technical and Madrasa Education Division or any of its subordinate offices.

The letter added that all steps related to MPO registration will be carried out digitally. 

A list of eligible institutions will be compiled based on the criteria outlined in the 2025 MPO policy for independent Ebtedayee madrasas.

Sources in the Ministry of Education said that the government officially released the 2025 policy document on June 25 to guide the operation of these institutions.

Previously, in 2018, the Technical and Madrasa Education Division formulated a policy concerning the manpower structure and salary allowances for such madrasas. 

However, the teachers did not receive the intended benefits. Under the new policy, once registered under the MPO, teachers are expected to receive a government salary share.

Currently, Ebtedayee madrasa heads receive a monthly grant of Tk 3,500, while assistant teachers receive Tk 3,300. 

Responding to continued demonstrations of teachers, the Ministry of Education announced on January 28 its intent to phase these madrasas into the MPO and gradually bring them under nationalization.

On March 5, the last working day of former Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, the government approved the registration of 1,519 Ebtedayee madrasas with Educational Institution Identification Numbers (EIINs).

Ministry sources also said that in 1984, the government registered 18,189 independent Ebtedayee madrasas, alongside private primary schools. In 1994, 1,519 of these madrasas were granted Tk 500 each - similar to primary schools that were later nationalized. These madrasas continue to receive the small grants.

Md. Saiful Islam, Additional Secretary (Madrasa) at the Technical and Madrasa Education Division, told BSS that the MPO policy has been adopted and a public notice for registration has been issued. Once included, Ebtedayee teachers will receive the government's share of their salaries and allowances, similar to those in private schools and colleges.