Primary education in Kishoreganj’s haor region is struggling with vacancies among headteachers and assistant teachers in Astagram, Itna and Mithamoin upazilas. Of 230 government primary schools serving 46,429 pre-primary to grade-five pupils, 149 headteacher posts are vacant, or about 65 percent. The report was published on August 21, 2026. Residents have called for swift appointments and solutions to other school infrastructure problems.

Only 81 headteachers are working against 230 posts, while 107 of 1,151 assistant teacher posts are officially vacant. However, 149 assistant teachers are performing acting or additional headteacher duties, leaving 256 assistant teacher posts effectively vacant. Parents and teachers said the shortages disrupt regular classes and administration. Schools also face classroom shortages, two-shift operations, limited playgrounds and recreation facilities, and inadequate wash blocks and safe drinking water.

Astagram has 53 vacant headteacher posts, Itna has 46, and Mithamoin has 50. An Astagram education officer said recruitment had been stalled for years by a case concerning assistant teachers’ promotions, but a ruling was issued in July. The district education officer said promotion lists for headteacher posts are being sent to the ministry, with placements expected after clearance.