Primary Teacher Recruitment Under Review; Committee May Be Formed: Minister

The recruitment process for approximately 14,500 assistant teachers in government primary schools, which has been mired in controversy, may undergo a full review.

Allegations of rushed examinations, question paper leaks in several districts, and numerous candidates being caught with electronic devices have raised serious concerns. Education Ministry sources indicate that the entire process could be re-examined, with the possibility of forming a dedicated committee.

Education and Primary & Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon told The Daily Campus, “There is controversy surrounding the recruitment of 14,000 primary teachers. The exam was conducted overnight. We are considering reviewing the entire recruitment process. We are thinking of forming a committee that will look into the whole matter.”

The final results of the assistant teacher recruitment test were published on 8 February. However, even two and a half months later, the recommended candidates have not yet been able to join. Many aspirants have expressed deep disappointment over the delay.

Ministry officials noted that the MCQ examination was conducted in a hurry just before the election. Despite controversies, the oral examinations were completed quickly, and the final results were published right before the polls, intensifying the debate.

When contacted, Primary and Mass Education Additional Secretary (Schools) Shahana Sarmin said, “Police verification of the finally selected candidates has been completed. If the minister instructs the formation of a committee, we will take the next steps accordingly.”

The written examination was held on 9 January across 61 districts (excluding the three hill districts) at 1,408 centres. A total of 10,80,095 applications were received against 14,385 posts, and 8,30,088 candidates appeared in the test.