Shortage of head teachers has left 174 government primary schools in Bandarban operating under acting head teachers, affecting classroom teaching and school administration across the district's seven upazilas.
Data from the Bandarban District Primary Education Office show that 174 of the district's 435 sanctioned head teacher posts are vacant, with only 261 positions currently filled. The vacancies include six of 76 posts in Bandarban Sadar, 43 of 68 in Ruma, 27 of 62 in Rowangchhari, 28 of 38 in Thanchi, 19 of 85 in Lama, 22 of 56 in Naikhongchhari and 29 of 50 in Alikadam.
Acting head teachers say they are struggling to balance administrative responsibilities with classroom teaching. In addition to teaching, they are required to manage school administration, maintain accounts, prepare government reports and process official documents, leaving less time for students. In many schools, teacher shortages have also forced multiple grades to be taught together.
"We have 52 students and only three teachers, including me," said Apel Barua, acting head teacher of Mirjhiri Para Government Primary School in Naikhongchhari. "Without a permanent head teacher, it is difficult to manage administrative work while teaching."
Md Shahidullah, acting head teacher of Jamalpur Government Primary School in Lama, said he has been serving in the role for the past two years. "The absence of a permanent head teacher disrupts both academic activities and official work," he said.
The district is also facing a shortage of assistant teachers. Of the 2,054 sanctioned assistant teacher posts, 2,001 are filled, while 53 remain vacant.
Mongkhai Aung Marma, acting head teacher of Mentak Para Government Primary School in Ruma, said the lack of a permanent head teacher has slowed administrative work and disrupted teaching.
Officials said recruitment and transfers have remained suspended because of an ongoing High Court case over head teacher appointments, creating a prolonged staffing crisis. They also alleged that some teachers posted to remote schools hire substitutes to conduct classes while visiting only occasionally to collect their salaries. The Business Standard could not independently verify the allegation.
Acting District Primary Education Officer Parinoy Chakma said all appointments and transfers would remain suspended until the High Court disposes of the case, adding that the situation is affecting primary education in the district.
The Directorate of Primary Education issued a circular on 10 September 2025 to recruit 42 assistant teachers, and the written examination was scheduled for 2 May this year. However, the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs suspended the examination on 27 April following a request from Bandarban MP Sa Ching Prue Jerry.