Police today blocked the "hunger march" by teachers of non-government MPO-listed educational institutions near Dhaka's Shikkha Bhaban.

The procession, which started from Central Shaheed Minar premises around 3:20pm, was stopped at a police barricade. Many teachers were carrying bowls in their hands.

Hundreds of teachers under the banner of MPO Nationalisation Expectant Alliance joined the programme, chanting slogans -- "Accept our logical demands", "We want 20 percent house rent", "Allowance is our right, not charity", "No place for discrimination".

The procession was brought out hours after the government approved a five percent house rent allowance of the basic salary for teachers and employees of MPO-listed non-government educational institutions, with a minimum floor of Tk 2,000 per month.

The teachers rejected the allowance and vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met.

After being intercepted by police, the teachers continued demonstrating near Shikkha Bhaban till the filing of this report around 4:15pm.