Dhaka, Oct. 21 -- Teachers and employees at educational institutions under the government's monthly pay order (MPO) scheme have called off their protests and announced a return to classes after the government announced that their housing allowances would be hiked up to 15 percent of their basic salary by July 2026.

The hike is to come in two phases. Initially, the amount will be raised to 7.5 percent of basic salary, or a minimum of Tk 2,000 this November. The Ministry of Finance will make the second hike to 15 percent from Jul 1 next year.

The Finance Division of the ministry issued an order approving the allowance increase on the 10th day of protests on Tuesday.

However, the protests, which began on Oct 12, have not succeeded in gain...