A government primary school in Dhamrai Upazila has found an unusual leader in its office assistant-cum-night watchman, who has taken charge of the education programme for the past three days due to the absence of teachers.
The situation has sparked widespread criticism, with many attributing it to the indifference and nepotism of the upazila education officials and the management system.
The incident unfolded at Rowail Government Primary School in Rowail Union of Dhamrai Upazila. There are 10 government primary schools in this Union.
The school claims to have five teachers, but for a variety of reasons, none of them were present. Last Sunday and Monday’s educational activities were overseen by the school office assistant; however, parents were shocked to see a new substitute arrive on Tuesday. Explaining the absence, school office assistant Hazrat Ali revealed that one teacher was away for PTI training, another on maternity leave, and yet another on deputation to another school. The other two teachers are currently undergoing training, so Hazrat Ali, the guard, is temporarily in charge of running the school.
Local Upazila Parishad member Nepal Chandra Pal expressed concern over the dire situation, noting that with only two teachers, both in training, the school’s operation remains untenable.
However, school authorities, including President Ashutosh Mondal and Acting Head Teacher Afrin Sultana, expressed surprise upon knowing of the quandary, emphasising the need for immediate resolution.
Meanwhile, journalists are advised not to report on the situation as attempts to get an explanation from a Dhamrai Upazila Assistant Education Officer. Similarly, Upazila Education Officer Tajmunnahar remained inaccessible.
Former Head Master of the school Shahjahan Miah told Bangladesh Post, “I retired on January 4 this year. We were facing challenges due to a shortage of teachers; only 5 were then there including me. And the number of students was 140 in all classes.” He voiced concern about how it would be feasible to have no teachers present during the school day.
Dhaka District Primary Education Officer Abdul Aziz told Bangladesh Post, “I heard about that incident, and already issued a show-cause notice to those responsible”. He said, this incident happened accidentally, and happened only for only one day. The teachers were in a 5 day training session, in the meantime schools opened suddenly, they failed to manage the situation. However, on Wednesday teachers went to the school accordingly.
In response to mounting concerns, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khan Md. Abdullah Al Mamun assured prompt action to address the issue.
