Stories of suffering and success : Real picture of primary education in Gopalganj
Golam Rabbani, Gopalganj
The first stage of Bangladesh's education system is primary education. Although the development of this sector has progressed in various indicators since independence, long-standing problems such as teacher shortage, infrastructure crisis and administrative complexity still remain at the field level. Nevertheless, the dedicated teaching community of Gopalganj is presenting a silent revolution of success through relentless work amidst limitations.
Gopalganj District Education Officer Mosa. Jyotsna Khatun said that the teacher shortage is still severe in many schools in the district. Against 862 government primary schools, 187 head teacher posts are vacant. Out of 4284 assistant teacher posts, 122 are vacant. In many institutions, a teacher is forced to teach more than one class—which is a major obstacle to a quality education system.
He further said that 10-12 schools in the district are in a dilapidated condition and a list has already been sent for repair. Meanwhile, the delay in the recruitment process is further intensifying the crisis in the schools.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, acting headmaster of Sonasur Government Primary School in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila, said, "Both knee-deep muddy water and boats during the monsoon season are daily risks for students and teachers. As a result, attendance decreases and teaching is disrupted."
In addition, parents are increasingly angry over allegations that fees are being charged in the name of exams, despite government directives for "free education" in some areas.
Despite all the crises, various government initiatives, including free book distribution, stipends, and infrastructure development, have strengthened the foundation of primary education. This has had a positive impact on the enrollment rate and the consistent progress of students.
Some schools in the district have taken their own initiative to improve the quality of teaching and have earned great reputations at the local level. In the past, some schools have been recognized as the best schools at the national level on several occasions.
The silent revolution of the teacher community—the main driving force behind success
The strength of Gopalganj's primary education system is its teachers, who work every day to impart literacy to children, despite their limitations.
According to the parents, many teachers in the district have set an example in improving the quality of education through creativity and dedication. In 2024, two teachers from Gopalganj were awarded as the best teachers at the national and district levels—Hosne Ara Parveen, headmaster of Kerailkopa Government Primary School in Tungipara, and Md. Khizir Ahmed, assistant teacher of Haridaspur Government Primary School No. 24 in Kashiani. This honor has created a new horizon of enthusiasm in the teaching community.
The primary education system in Gopalganj is as much in crisis as it is a bright spot with potential. Teachers and guardians hope that if the infrastructure and manpower crisis is resolved and the recruitment process is expedited, primary education in the district will stand on a stronger foundation.
And the relentless work of teachers at the field level will be the main force of this journey—in the unwavering path of the silent revolution.
