Biometric attendance machines installed in government primary schools of Matlab North upazila in Chandpur have become non-functional, despite being introduced to ensure regular attendance. The devices, installed in 180 schools during the 2018–19 fiscal year at a cost of Tk 26,000–35,000 each, were found to be mostly missing, disconnected, or broken. Teachers and residents allege that the machines, purchased at inflated prices, failed to improve education quality and now lie unused.

Local teachers and residents claim that a syndicate, allegedly backed by influential Awami League leaders, supplied substandard machines at high prices for personal gain. Several head teachers said the devices stopped working soon after installation due to poor quality and lack of maintenance. They also reported that no effective monitoring or repair initiatives were taken even after repeated complaints. The acting head teachers of Gazra and Otarchar Government Primary Schools described the project as wasteful and poorly planned.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Harunur Rashid Molla confirmed that none of the schools currently have operational biometric attendance systems, noting that the project was implemented before his tenure.