The Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) has announced plans to appoint 14,385 assistant teachers in government primary schools before the upcoming 13th national election. Written exams were held on January 9, 2026, after a short delay, and results were released on January 21, with 69,265 candidates passing. Oral exams in Chapainawabganj, Manikganj, and Barishal districts are scheduled from January 28 to February 3, with further schedules to follow for other districts.

According to DPE data, 34,106 head teacher posts and 24,536 assistant teacher posts remain vacant across the country. Many schools, particularly in remote areas, are operating with only one to three teachers, severely affecting administrative and academic activities. DPE Director General Abu Noor Md. Shamsuzzaman stated that the recruitment process is routine and unrelated to the election, emphasizing the need to accelerate hiring to address the shortage.

Interim government adviser Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar said the government is prioritizing the teacher shortage issue and expects the problem to be resolved soon.