Selina Akhter has a five-in-one role. She is the headmistress, class teacher, administrative officer, peon, and even sweeper of the Kangaliseo Government Primary School in Sakhipur upazila of Tangail district.

The previous headmaster of the school, Kala Chan, retired on March 15, 2015, said sources in the Sakhipur Primary Education Office. Assistant teachers Naresh Chandra retired on January 18, 2016, Sumanta Sarker on February 13, 2017, and Golok Chandra Sarker on August 13, 2017. But no one replaced them. So, Selina, who joined on deputation 10 months ago, is responsible for teaching the 100-odd students of the school. It is quite impossible for one teacher, or even two, to teach all lessons in two shifts of the six classes, Selina said. Besides, she also has to perform administrative duties. “The shortage of teachers has been causing students to drop out,” she added. “I have to unlock the rooms in the morning, sweep them, and ring the bell. I have to teach 26 lessons in a day in two shifts, three lessons at a time. I also have to go to the upazila education office six times a month,” she complained.

Guardians are concerned and said that their children were losing interest in going to school, as classes were not held regularly. They urged the authorities to appoint the necessary number of teachers at the school.

Upazila primary education officer Aminul Islam admitted that one teacher is running the school. But he claimed that two more teachers would be posted very soon.