Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has unearthed widespread corruption and irregularities in recruiting monthly pay order (MPO) registered principals, headteachers, assistant headteachers and other posts at secondary schools.
In half of the cases, illegal transactions ranging from Tk3.5 lakh to Tk15 lakh are being made, according to a TIB report, titled “Implementation of Secondary Education Program: Challenges of Good Governance and Ways Out”, released at a virtual press conference on Wednesday.
The Bangladesh chapter of the Berlin-based organization found that there are irregularities in recruitments, transfers and MPO registrations in many secondary schools of the country.
The secondary school principals, headmasters and assistant headmasters have to fork out Tk3.5 lakh-Tk15 lakh, which is pocketed by local political leaders and steering committees.
TIB Researcher Taslima Akter presented the report.
The organization collected data from 54 educational institutions in 18 upazilas of the country. The qualitative research was conducted by interviewing and reviewing data obtained from 325 key informants.
The authority for the appointment of headmaster, assistant headmaster, principal, assistant librarian and office assistant lies with the respective school management committee or governing body.
On the other hand, the Non-Government Teachers' Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) is the body that appoints subject-based assistant teachers and lecturers.
According to the study, most recruitments by governing bodies are made on the basis of political influence, nepotism and extortion. There are also allegations of extortion made by teachers joining educational institutions recommended by the NTRCA.
The research states that local political leaders, governing bodies, some Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education officials, inspection and audit departments, and many other officials concerned are involved in recruitment irregularities.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said: “Through the study, we can put pressure on officials concerned into taking necessary actions [to address the irregularities].”
