Newly Appointed Primary Teachers Demand Mutual Transfers, State Minister Responds

Newly appointed government primary school teachers posted to remote and hard-to-reach areas through a lottery system have demanded the introduction of mutual transfers, saying the postings have created difficulties with commuting, accommodation, family responsibilities and personal safety.

The Daily Campus spoke to State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj about the demand. He said the teachers had been posted to schools where vacancies existed within the candidates' respective catchment areas.

“They were posted to schools where positions were vacant within their candidates' catchment areas. However, if the candidates press their demand strongly, the matter will be discussed and a decision will be taken,” he said.

On Tuesday, newly posted teachers called for mutual transfers in a press release sent to the media. The request was made in a statement issued on behalf of the “Assistant Teacher 2025 Batch”.

The statement said many teachers assigned through the lottery had been posted far from their homes, including in remote and hard-to-reach locations. As a result, they were facing various difficulties related to commuting, accommodation, family responsibilities and safety.

It said a mutual transfer system should be introduced promptly for teachers willing to exchange their workplaces by mutual consent. Such an arrangement would ensure the agreement and convenience of both parties while helping many teachers avoid the hardship of long and difficult commutes.

The statement said the opportunity would be particularly important for teachers posted to char areas, haor regions and other remote locations, where transport systems are often inadequate and travel is difficult.

It also called for special consideration for female teachers. The statement said a priority system or simplified process for mutual transfer applications, taking into account their family responsibilities, safety concerns, commuting difficulties and social circumstances, would help them perform their duties more safely and comfortably.

The teachers argued that mutual transfers would benefit not only the teachers themselves but also students by directly improving classroom teaching.

A teacher who feels mentally well, safe and comfortable is better positioned to create a healthy and effective learning environment for an entire class, the statement said. Reducing teachers' difficulties would also help make schools more vibrant, enjoyable and conducive to learning.

“We believe that introducing a transparent, simple and swift mutual transfer system for teachers posted through the lottery would reduce many avoidable hardships at the very beginning of their careers,” the statement said.

It added that addressing the practical challenges faced by female teachers from a humane perspective would enable them to devote themselves to teaching with greater focus and commitment.

The teachers expressed hope that the authorities concerned would take prompt steps to introduce mutual transfers, taking into account teachers' practical difficulties, the mutual consent of applicants, and female teachers' safety and family circumstances.