Prioritise merit in head teacher promotions

Dear Sir,

The court verdict of July 2, 2026 clearing the way for the long-awaited promotion of government primary school teachers to Head Teacher has renewed hope among thousands of senior assistant teachers. Following the ministry’s recent notification, 80 percent of Head Teacher posts are to be filled through promotion and 20 percent through direct recruitment. Promotion currently requires professional training, confirmation of service, and at least 12 years’ experience.

While this policy is commendable, the required experience should be reduced to eight years. Moreover, the remaining 20 percent of posts should be filled through a transparent departmental competitive examination instead of direct recruitment.

A promotion system based on experience and merit would strengthen teacher motivation, improve school leadership and enhance the quality primary education.

Gazi Arif Mannan
Assistant Teacher, Jammura Govt
Primary School, Fulgazi, Feni