Before the election, 14,000 teachers will be recruited

As the nation prepares for the 13th general election on 12 February, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME) and the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) are expediting the recruitment of more than 14,000 assistant teachers in government primary schools. Following the publication of written exam results on 21 January, oral (viva) examinations are scheduled to commence on 28 January, with final results expected by 10 February — just two days before the election. To expedite the process, multiple interview boards have been instructed to operate in each district.

Election authorities have raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest. District Commissioners (DCs), who play pivotal roles in overseeing parliamentary elections in their districts, are also appointed as chairpersons of the viva boards. Similarly, District Primary Education Officers, who serve as secretaries of the interview boards, carry important electoral responsibilities.

“Starting a large-scale recruitment process barely two weeks before the election naturally invites scrutiny,” said a senior official, speaking anonymously. “DCs are fully occupied with election preparations, making it difficult for them to devote adequate time to these interviews. This timing may inadvertently create opportunities for irregularities.”

Key Recruitment Timeline

This year, the oral exam has been reduced from 20 marks to 10, and for the first time, candidates will receive a pass/fail designation. Each district board also includes a DPE representative, a practice not followed previously. Notably, certificates no longer carry marks — a rare deviation from conventional recruitment procedures.

The written exam itself faced significant controversy. Over 200 candidates and accomplices were detained nationwide for attempting to leak papers or commit digital fraud, particularly in Gaibandha, Nawabganj, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Kurigram, Chuadanga, Jamalpur, and Bhola. Many were found using advanced electronic devices, including Bluetooth gadgets and communication tools, as well as proxy candidates.

Despite these irregularities and demands for cancellation, the DPE swiftly released written results and is now racing to complete the oral exams. Candidates are required to submit verified copies of documents, including photographs, applications, proof of citizenship from local authorities, national ID cards, written exam admit cards, and educational certificates, to their district primary education offices by 27 January to collect receipt acknowledgements.

DPE Director General Abu Nur Md. Shamsuzzaman stated:

“We aim to conclude all oral exams by 3 February. While DCs may be preoccupied with election duties, Additional DCs and officers of equivalent rank in the boards will oversee proceedings diligently.”

With elections looming and high stakes involved, the overlapping responsibilities of election officers and teacher recruitment committees have sparked debate over timing, transparency, and the potential for malpractices in one of the country’s largest educational recruitment drives.