Patharghata K.M. Model Government Secondary School, a historic educational institution in Patharghata upazila, is facing severe disruption in teaching and administration due to long-standing vacancies in the positions of headmaster and assistant headmaster. The leadership gap has slowed academic activities, causing problems in students’ studies and growing frustration among parents.
Several teachers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that with both leadership positions vacant, critical academic and administrative tasks—from record management and examination oversight to teaching supervision and maintaining discipline—are being poorly managed. “We are trying our best to ensure that students’ education is not disrupted, but running the school properly without leadership is nearly impossible,” they said.
The school, established in 1929, received recognition as a secondary institution in 1970 and was nationalized in 2018. Since 2022, the headmaster position and, since 2023, the assistant headmaster position have remained vacant. Additionally, teaching positions in English, Business Studies, Physical Education, and ICT have also been unfilled for an extended period. Currently, Md. Shahidul Islam is serving as acting headmaster, though his appointment has been controversial.
Allegations have been raised regarding irregularities in Md. Shahidul Islam’s appointment, including certificate overwriting and harassment of the former acting headmaster Zakir Hossain Khan, who was allegedly denied retirement dues and allowances. Zakir Hossain Khan has filed separate written complaints to the Barguna Deputy Commissioner, which are under investigation. Md. Shahidul Islam, however, claims that the issues with the former headmaster have been amicably resolved.
Some ninth-grade students expressed concern about the lack of classroom discipline, saying, “Even when teachers are present, we need order for proper learning, which is currently absent. Paying attention in class has become difficult.”
Several parents also voiced concerns: “Without a headmaster or assistant headmaster, the school’s academic activities have become disorderly. SSC examinees are particularly suffering. If this continues, our children’s future will be at risk. The school no longer provides the learning environment it once did. Student absenteeism has increased, and supervision is weak, leading to the gradual decline of this once-renowned institution.”
Education enthusiast Chowdhury Mohammad Masum said, “Patharghata K.M. Model Government Secondary School was once a source of pride for the region, playing a remarkable role in education, culture, and social development. But that legacy now seems to be fading. Weak administration and poor teaching management are causing the school to lose its former glory. Immediate and effective action is needed to restore the institution’s reputation. Teachers, students, and parents must all play responsible roles, or the school’s heritage will be confined to history books.”
Chowdhury Mohammad Faruk, convener of Patharghata Upazila BNP, urged, “The prolonged vacancies in the headmaster and assistant headmaster positions have weakened the school’s academic environment. Qualified officials must be appointed immediately to restore teaching standards, otherwise the school—and the entire region’s students—will suffer long-term negative impacts.”
Barguna District Secondary Education Officer Mohammad Jasim Uddin said, “Information about schools with vacant headmaster and assistant headmaster positions has been sent to the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education. Although the recruitment process is ongoing, administrative complications and delays have prevented final appointments. We hope these positions will be filled soon, and with proper teacher deployment, the school will regain a conducive learning environment.”
