Three government primary schools in Astamirchar Union of Chilmari upazila, Kurigram, are operating with only one teacher each, leaving students deprived of proper education and parents increasingly worried. Local residents report declining attendance and rising dropout rates as a result of the acute teacher shortage. Field visits revealed that single teachers are handling multiple classes and administrative tasks simultaneously, while some appointed teachers remain absent or on deputation elsewhere.

At Char Mudafat Kalikapur Government Primary School, the head teacher has been absent for months without approved leave, and another teacher is on deputation, forcing one assistant teacher to manage all classes. Similar conditions exist at South Natarkandi and other schools, where classes end early due to the lack of staff. Officials acknowledged that 74 teaching positions remain vacant across 93 schools in Chilmari, mostly in remote char areas.

Education authorities said teachers avoid postings in chars due to travel difficulties but promised action against absentee staff and adjustments in future recruitment to prioritize local candidates.