Writ petition seeks HC directive on tuition fee collection by MPO-listed schools, colleges

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking directives on collection of tuition fees by private educational institutions under the monthly payment order (MPO) facility during the closure enforced by the coronavirus pandemic.

Two students of Ideal School and College in Dhaka jointly submitted the petition recently, praying to the High Court to order authorities concerned of the government to take necessary steps ensuring schools, colleges and madrasas enjoying MPO facilities do not collect monthly tuition fees in this pandemic.

The High Court will hold a hearing on the matter tomorrow, the petitioners' lawyer Advocate Saifur Rahman told The Daily Star today.

Citing the petition, he said guardians of many students are in severe financial crisis as many have become jobless or are unemployed and cannot afford to pay the monthly tuition.

Educational institutions are enjoying MPO facilities although regular educational activities remain suspended, the lawyer added.

The MPO is the government's share in the payroll of non-government educational institutions. Under the scheme, the government gives 100 percent basic salaries to the teachers of non-government schools. The teachers also get a small amount a month as allowances through the MPO.