12 Part-time Teachers Allegedly Dismissed Despite 21 Months of Unpaid Salaries

Twelve part-time teachers at Hossainpur Government Model Pilot School and College in Kishoreganj have allegedly been dismissed while 21 months of their salaries remain unpaid, prompting calls for urgent intervention and an impartial investigation.

The affected teachers have urged the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education and other relevant authorities to ensure the payment of their long-standing arrears and investigate the matter.

According to sources, the institution began facing a teacher shortage after it was nationalised in 2018. Twelve teachers were subsequently recruited on a temporary basis through advertisements, including two in the college section and five each in the day and morning shifts of the school section.

The teachers said they were initially paid regularly, but payments later became irregular, with only one month’s salary being paid after every two or three months. As a result, 21 months of salary remained unpaid as of August this year.

The teachers alleged that Acting Principal Md Khairul Islam dismissed them on August 17 and 18, citing a decision of the academic council, without paying their outstanding salaries. Dismissed part-time teacher Obaidur Rahman said the teachers were facing severe financial hardship after going without salaries and suddenly losing their jobs.

“Without receiving our salaries and after suddenly losing our jobs, we teachers have fallen into severe financial crisis. Many of us are becoming indebted to cover household expenses, our children’s education and medical costs.”

— Obaidur Rahman, dismissed part-time teacher

Acting Principal Md Khairul Islam said he assumed responsibility for the institution on March 4 and claimed that the arrears had accumulated before he took charge. He assured that salaries accrued during his tenure would be paid by January 31, 2027. He also said efforts were underway to clear the arrears from the institution’s fund following advice from the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.

Kishoreganj District Education Officer Shamsunnahar Maksuda said that even if the teachers had been dismissed, their dues should be paid if funds were available.

She said the current head could not avoid responsibility for arrears from an earlier period.

“The person currently in charge is responsible for clearing these arrears.”

— Shamsunnahar Maksuda, Kishoreganj District Education Officer