RUMA, BANDARBAN, Aug 22: The government primary education system in remote hill area of Ruma Upazila in the district is facing a severe crisis as 44 out of 68 government primary schools are operating without head teachers.
This prolonged vacancy has led to significant administrative weaknesses and widespread disruption in teaching, raising concerns about the future of primary education in the region.
According to the Ruma Upazila Primary Education Office, assistant teachers are serving as acting head teachers in these vacant positions. However, the quality of education is being compromised as they struggle to manage both administrative duties and classroom instruction simultaneously.
In addition to the lack of head teachers, there are currently 59 vacant assistant teacher positions in the upazila, which is creating a major obstacle to the proper functioning of educational activities.
The list of schools, where assistant teachers are serving as acting head teachers, includes: Niangkhyang Para, Jurbarong Para, Prangsha Para, Naitong Para, Bachardeu Para, Phungal Para, Nunthiar Headman Para, Pakniar Para, Lake Para, Sepru Para, Danagri Para, Pantla Headman Para, Jothuram Para, Galenggya Para, Kala Para, Ramdu Para, Politong Bethelhel Para, Mrongkhu Para, Painang Menron, Lempu Para, Prongphumog Para, Banken Para, Abulamba Para, Darjeeling Para, Kespai Para, Mangtong Para, Paindu Ujani Para, Tongmok Para, Arjun Para, Choikhyang Para, Dulachan Para, Kambuwa Para, Mentok Para, Baktang Para, Elim Sangdala Para, Katay Para, Cholong Para, Cholong Para, Homtri Para, Natun Para, Ruitu Para, Prongpru Mok Para, Chinlong Para, and Bogamuk Para Government Primary Schools.
On-site visits to several schools in the upazila revealed a shortage of supporting staff (Daptari). The responsibilities of school supporting staff, such as cleaning and ringing the school bell, are being handled by head teachers and other class teachers.
Locals expressed concern that the promotion of experienced teachers is being hampered and the schools are being managed by acting head teachers who were appointed in 2022-2023 and lack prior experience. Locals are demanding that senior teachers be promoted to manage the schools as soon as possible.
A local resident of Ruma said, "Primary education is the first and most important step in a child's life. If there is a deficiency in the quality of education here, the future generation will be harmed."
Ruma Upazila Primary Education Officer Ashish Chiran said, "Out of 68 government primary schools in Ruma, 44 have vacant head teacher positions. We have already informed the matter to the higher authorities."
Bandarban District Primary Education Officer Md Mofazzal Hossain Khan said that not only in Ruma but throughout the entire district, there are 259 vacant head teacher positions.
He added that the file for the promotion of head teachers has been sent to higher levels and the recruitment of watchmen is on hold due to a pending court case.
Education experts believe that if the teacher shortage persists, the quality of primary education in the upazila will further decline, hindering the future prospects of students. They have called on the authorities to take effective measures to fill the vacant positions promptly.
