Tangail, Nov 23 (V7N) — Schools cannot be closed even in uncertain situations like earthquakes, said Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Advisor to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.

He made the remark while speaking to journalists after inaugurating the newly constructed playground of Bagbari Choubari Government Primary School in Katuli Union of Tangail Sadar Upazila on Sunday afternoon.

Dr. Poddar said earthquakes can occur at any time, and therefore, “panic is not the answer—caution and preparation are most important.” He added that necessary safety instructions and precautionary guidelines have already been distributed to all schools across the country.

The advisor also highlighted a major administrative challenge in primary education: around 32,000 headmaster posts remain vacant nationwide due to unresolved legal complexities. The matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court.

“We are trying our best to resolve the case quickly. Once it is settled, 32,000 assistant teachers will be promoted to headmaster positions, and further recruitment will be made to fill the resulting vacancies,” he stated.

He further mentioned that a large-scale teacher recruitment circular has been issued to address the ongoing shortage of teachers, expressing hope that this initiative will strengthen and energize the country’s primary education system.

Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, Tangail Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahin Mia, and officials from various departments were also present at the event.

END/SMA/AJ