Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed authorities to promptly fill the vacant head teacher positions in government primary schools across the country.
He issued the directive during a meeting held on Monday afternoon at the state guest house Jamuna.
The meeting was attended by Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education; Abu Taher Md Masud Rana, Secretary of the Ministry; Siraz Uddin Mia, the Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary; and several other officials.
During the meeting, the Chief Adviser inquired about the quality of education in government primary schools and asked for an evaluation of which schools were performing well.
Adviser Bidhan Ranjan Roy said, “A significant amount has been invested in infrastructure development for primary education, but the main objective- improvement in education quality has not been achieved. We are currently ranking the schools based on evaluations. Special programs are being designed for schools where students are falling behind.”
He further informed that the evaluation shows schools with better performance often have competent head teachers who maintain positive relationships with colleagues. Currently, the head teacher position is vacant in 32,000 primary schools across the country.
He assured the Chief Adviser that steps are being taken to address the issue swiftly.
The Chief Adviser directed not only the appointment of acting head teachers but also the initiation of fresh recruitment.
He said, “We must prioritize bringing qualified individuals into head teacher positions. The process should categorize candidates—those with long-standing teaching experience should be given priority, while also creating opportunities for younger teachers to take on leadership roles. This recruitment process must be carried out transparently and efficiently.”
He instructed officials to coordinate with the Public Service Commission (PSC) and issue a recruitment notice immediately to complete the appointment process for head teachers without delay.
Additionally, he called for reforms in the existing transfer policy for teachers.
“Many times, teachers try to get transferred from one subdistrict to another, especially to schools closer to urban areas. They approach various offices with recommendations or personal lobbying. There must be a clear and defined policy and process for transfers, and only those who meet the criteria should be eligible,” he said.
The Chief Adviser also asked for special arrangements for girls in schools and inquired whether school infrastructure was designed to be gender-sensitive.
He emphasized, “During school building construction, there must be at least one female architect on the committee to ensure a female-friendly infrastructure. Girls’ needs must be given separate and special attention in planning, design, and implementation.”
Furthermore, Professor Yunus stressed the importance of gradually providing all primary schools with internet access and multimedia classrooms across the country.
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