Primary education advisor 'sympathises' with teachers whose appointments were revoked

Primary and Mass Education Advisor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder has expressed sympathy for the candidates whose teaching appointments were cancelled. However, he stressed that no administrative action can be taken at the moment due to the ongoing court case.

Speaking to reporters after attending a session of the District Commissioners' Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday, he said, “We have followed the legal process. While we sympathise with those affected, we believe our actions were in line with the law.”

On Feb 6, the High Court scrapped the appointment recommendations of 6,531 candidates chosen for assistant teaching positions in government primary schools across Dhaka and Chattogram divisions. The court also ordered a fresh merit-based recruitment process.

Since the ruling, the aggrieved candidates have been protesting almost on a daily basis, and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has filed an appeal for a review of the High Court ruling.

“The court has issued its ruling and understandably, those affected are upset. We’ve appealed the decision. Since the matter is still under judicial review, administrative action isn’t possible at the moment,” said Bidhan.

He also emphasised that the results were announced following consultations with the public administration and law ministries. “We believe we acted according to legal guidelines, and in that regard, we empathise with those seeking a change.”

In response to another question, the advisor said that 85 percent of primary school textbooks have already been distributed and reassured that all books will reach schools by the end of the month.

Addressing other points discussed at the conference, he said, “We’ve listened to the feedback from the DCs [deputy commissioners] and informed them about our ongoing and future plans. The DCs are involved in district-level committees.”

He also highlighted the importance of proper implementation of construction projects, adding, “Many kindergartens need to be registered according to policy, but several remain unregistered. We’ve stressed the importance of ensuring their registration.”