Editorial
Colleges face staff shortage
Fill in the void
That the public colleges, especially those outside Dhaka and other metropolises, are in a sorry state is nothing new. But the perturbing news of acute shortage of teachers in these institutions brings to the fore a disquieting picture of an important sector.
Official records have it that around 3677 posts of teachers are vacant in the country's 253 public colleges, where some 5, 09,137 students pursue their studies. Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) says, of the vacant posts 249 are of lecturers, 922 of assistant professors, 255 of associate professors and 151 of professors.
Many colleges make do with only one subject teacher running HSC, degree (pass), honours and masters courses. Teachers of other subjects or part timers from private colleges are called in to take classes.
Upazilla colleges are the hardest hit. Main reason is the slow process of recruitment of teachers by the education directorate and ministry. Also, teachers posted in these colleges manage transfers to district colleges by unscrupulous means.
DSHE officials say it takes around two years to complete the process of recruitment after placing of demands. Teachers are appointed through Public Service Commission that never recommends the number of teachers as per requirement of the education ministry.
By Education Minister's own admission, a number of posts fall vacant every month but recruitment takes a long time, leading to shortage of staff. The scenario has to change to save these colleges and protect the students' interest. Many bright careers get spoiled through this carelessness, which adversely impacts the country's advancement.
We call upon the authorities to take serious note of realities on the ground and make the process of recruitment and appointment quicker avoiding bureaucratic rigmarole. Services of teachers posted in these colleges should not be transferable for at least a minimum period of three years except in exceptional circumstances.
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