In the remote Baghuṭia char region of Manikganj’s Daulatpur Upazila, government primary schools are plagued by alarming irregularities, teacher absenteeism, and widespread corruption.
According to government regulations, teachers are required to be present from 9am to 4pm daily. However, many teachers in the area have been reportedly absent for extended periods, simply collecting their salaries without fulfilling their duties.
A recent field investigation revealed that at several schools, including 42 Number Rongdarpara Government Primary School, 54 Number Char Kalikapur Government Primary School, and 5 Number Baghuṭia Government Primary School, no teachers were present. The classrooms were abandoned, with dust and dirt covering blackboards and benches. Students, left without any instruction, spent their time socialising and chatting.
Reports suggest that in the absence of teachers, various individuals—ranging from school caretakers to parents—have stepped in as “proxy teachers.” In some cases, older students have been seen teaching lessons to younger children.
The situation prompted a few teachers to arrive hastily at the schools upon the journalists’ arrival. Sulaiman Hossain, an assistant teacher at Rongdarpara Government Primary School, admitted to his late arrival, citing the negative impact of delayed attendance on students.
He noted that, in his absence, the caretaker was taking the class. Another teacher, Jesmin Sultana, explained her tardiness due to her sick child, while Aminul Islam mentioned delays due to travel via river routes, a situation known to local representatives and education officials.
A troubling case was reported at Char Kalikapur Government Primary School, where a teacher, Abida Sultana, allegedly committed severe fraud. She is accused of taking maternity leave for her fourth child, despite claims that the child never existed, as it was lost during pregnancy. Despite the fraudulent nature of the leave, Abida continued to receive government benefits.
Furthermore, Nurjahan Akter, another teacher, resides permanently in Dhaka but reportedly visits the school only for a few days each month, conducting minimal classes and collecting her salary.
At Char Kalikapur Government Primary School, the headmaster was absent, and a “proxy teacher,” a first-year student from a madrasa in Dhaka, was found teaching. When approached, the headmaster, Manowar Hossain, arrived on a motorcycle and claimed he had been out to buy medicine. He explained that the challenging transport conditions in the area often resulted in occasional delays.
The distribution of student meals also revealed significant irregularities. According to government guidelines, the children should receive bread and eggs, but in most schools, only bread was provided. Allegations of misappropriation of funds meant for milk and biscuits were also raised. On certain occasions, students claimed that no meals were provided at all.
Despite the ongoing issues, local residents have expressed frustration over the lack of effective intervention by the education administration. In many cases, it has been reported that local education officials have sided with the teachers, leading to little action being taken.
Iqbal Hossain, the panel chairman of Baghuṭia Union, said, “We’ve failed to bring teachers to the school regularly. The issue has been reported to the UNO and education officials, and urgent action is needed.”
Gokul Chandra Debnath, the district primary education officer, assured that the allegations would be investigated, and strict actions would be taken against those found violating regulations.
Farzana Priyanka, the additional deputy commissioner (Education and ICT), emphasised the potential harm to students if teachers continue to neglect their duties, warning that legal actions would follow if the complaints are proven true.
