With just two weeks to go before the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the recruitment of over 14,000 assistant teachers in government primary schools is rapidly advancing, raising concerns among observers about the timing and transparency of the process. The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, alongside the Directorate of Primary Education, initiated oral examinations on 21 January, following the publication of written test results. The oral tests are scheduled to run from 28 January to 3 February, with the final results planned for release on 10 February—prior to the national polls.
To expedite the process, multiple examination boards have been instructed to operate in each district. Abu Nur Md. Shamsuzzaman, Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education, stated: “Additional officials have been deployed to each board to ensure that the recruitment process is completed before the election. While District Commissioners may be preoccupied with election duties, Additional Deputy Commissioners and officials of equivalent rank will oversee proceedings diligently.”
Nevertheless, internal sources note that the sheer scale of the recruitment and the proximity to the election naturally invite scrutiny. Traditionally, District Commissioners serve as board chairs, with District Primary Education Officers acting as secretaries. With their attention divided due to election responsibilities, concerns have emerged regarding possible irregularities, rumours, and commercialisation of the oral tests.
This year, the oral examination format has undergone changes. Previously allocated 20 marks, the oral assessment has now been reduced to 10 marks, and a pass/fail criterion has been introduced for the first time. Additionally, a representative from the Directorate will be present on each board to oversee proceedings.
The timeline for selected candidates from the written examination is as follows:
| Date | Activity | Number of Selected Candidates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 January | Written Examination | 69,265 | Conducted across 61 districts |
| 21 January | Publication of Written Results | 69,265 | Candidates selected for oral test |
| 28 Jan – 3 Feb | Oral Examination | 69,265 | Conducted across multiple boards |
| 10 February | Final Results | 14,000+ | Planned release prior to elections |
The recruitment drive has already been marred by allegations of question paper leaks and digital fraud, resulting in the arrest of nearly 200 candidates and accomplices. Districts including Gaibandha, Naogaon, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Kurigram, Chuadanga, Jamalpur, and Bhola reported attempts to cheat using electronic devices and proxy candidates. Protesting candidates had even staged sit-ins demanding the cancellation of the examination.
Candidates are required to submit their online-uploaded photographs, application forms, citizenship certificates, national ID cards, written test admit cards, and educational qualifications to their respective District Primary Education Offices by 27 January. Details of the oral exam schedule will be published on district office websites and notice boards.
Observers warn that the rush to complete the recruitment process ahead of the election may overshadow concerns regarding transparency and fairness, leaving room for potential irregularities in one of the country’s largest teacher recruitment drives in recent years.