A severe shortage of teachers has hit government primary schools in Satkhira, hampering both academic and administrative activities. Out of 1,095 schools across the district, a total of 1,129 posts for head teachers and assistant teachers remain vacant.
According to the District Primary Education Office, there are 1,095 sanctioned posts for head teachers, but only 991 are currently in service, leaving 104 positions vacant. Similarly, out of 5,997 approved posts for assistant teachers, 5,595 are filled while 402 remain vacant. In addition, 623 posts for office assistants-cum-guards have also been lying vacant for a long time.
Due to this shortage, many schools are forced to conduct classes for multiple grades simultaneously. The absence of head teachers in several schools has also created complications in administrative management. Local education officials say the shortage is disrupting the continuity of classroom teaching and overall academic progress.
A teacher from a government primary school in Satkhira Sadar Upazila, requesting anonymity, said, “I have to conduct two classes at the same time. The number of students is high, but there are too few teachers. It’s becoming very difficult to maintain the quality of education.”
District Primary Education Officer Md. Ruhul Amin said, “We have already informed the higher authorities about the vacant positions. We hope the situation will improve once the recruitment process is completed. Despite limited manpower, we are trying our best to maintain educational standards.”
Education officials believe that once the vacant posts are filled, stability will return to the district’s primary education system. However, parents and education stakeholders have expressed concern that the prolonged teacher shortage may further affect the quality of education.
