Patuakhali govt colleges face acute shortage of teachers

Academic activities in the two government colleges of Patuakhali are being hampered due to an acute shortage of teachers. 32 out of 94 posts in Patuakhali Government College and 20 out of 48 posts in Patuakhali Government Women's College have been vacant for a long time, though they are the only government institutions in the district to provide higher education.

Patuakhali Government College, set up in 1957 and nationalised in 1969, has over 12,000 students from intermediate to master's level. A total of 16 subjects in honours and 14 subjects at master's level are taught.

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Pranesh Kanti Sikder, the principal of the college, was transferred on February 25 this year. The post has been vacant since. The numbers of vacant posts of teachers are five in the chemistry department, four in soil science, three in botany, two each in Bangla, English, economics, history, philosophy, accounting, biology and management, and one each in political science, physics and computer science.

Newly admitted students in intermediate class for the 2015-16 academic year and their guardians are worried about the academic progress of students because of teacher shortage.

Jalal Ahmed, a guardian, said this college was renowned in the area. The authorities should take steps to fill the vacancies considering the future of thousands of students.

Joydev Sajjol, acting principal of the college, said "We informed the authorities about the issue but in vain." It is very difficult to run all classes as we are facing an acute crisis of teachers, he added.

Patuakhali Government Women's College, set up in 1966 and nationalised in 1979, is the only government women's college in the district town. Girls from remote areas and poor families get the opportunity to get higher education at the college. About 5,000 female students study here.

In addition to the problem of many vacant posts, teachers also face an accommodation crisis as there is no dormitory in the college.

Khondaker Oliul Islam, principal of the college, said "We sent several letters to the higher authorities to fill the vacant posts, without result."