Allegations of irregularities in salaries, allowances, and recruitment at BCSIR School and College

PNN News Desk. Dhaka

Multiple allegations of irregularities have surfaced at BCSIR School and College surrounding teacher-staff salaries and allowances, part-time teacher recruitment, managing committee activities, and financial management. Among these are allegations of paying certain part-time teachers higher salaries than MPO-enlisted teachers, as well as granting them Pahela Baishakh allowances and Eid bonuses.

Recently, several written complaints highlighting these issues were submitted to the Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education and the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE). Several teachers from the institution have also raised questions regarding these matters.

Regarding the allegations, Professor Syed Akteruzzaman, Chairman of the Dhaka Education Board, stated that an investigation into a specific matter at BCSIR School and College is currently underway. However, an investigation into the overall irregularities of the institution has not yet begun. He assured that necessary action would be taken following an inquiry once formal complaints are received through proper channels.

Complainants claim that the monthly salaries of several part-time teachers at the institution were incrementally raised up to BDT 22,000. Yet, the portion of salary that many MPO-enlisted teachers receive directly from the institution's funds is significantly lower by comparison.

The complaint notes that the monthly salary of one part-time female teacher was initially BDT 7,000, which was later increased to BDT 15,000, and further raised to BDT 22,000 this year. Similarly, salaries for several other part-time teachers were also increased.

In addition to base salaries, allegations have been raised regarding the disbursement of Pahela Baishakh allowances and Eid bonuses to part-time teachers. According to the complaint, part-time teachers without a B.Ed. degree were granted BDT 2,500 as a Baishakhi allowance and BDT 12,500 as an Eid bonus. For B.Ed. degree holders, these two allowances amounted to BDT 3,200 and BDT 16,000, respectively.

Meanwhile, complainants claim that resentment has brewed because the festival allowance disbursed to MPO-enlisted teachers from the institution's internal fund remains comparatively lower.

The complaint further details that in 2024, a Grade 8 senior teacher received a basic salary of approximately BDT 32,390 under the national pay scale. After deductions from the MPO portion, the teacher drew nearly BDT 32,300, while allegedly receiving an additional BDT 46,799 from the institution's internal fund.

Consequently, combining funds from the MPO and the institution, that teacher's monthly receipts reached approximately BDT 79,000, as claimed by the complainants.

In their view, it is necessary to examine whether prescribed guidelines and proper approvals were followed in disbursing extra funds from the institution's internal repository.

Allegations have also been raised regarding the non-compliance with recruitment policies when hiring part-time teachers at the institution. Complainants assert that several part-time teachers hired after 2015 have been retained for extended periods, with their salaries increased starting in April of this year.

Simultaneously, allegations have surfaced regarding the withholding of accurate vacant post data during NTRCA e-requisition submissions. Complainants allege that this was done to create an artificial teacher shortage, thereby facilitating the continued employment of part-time staff.

It has also been alleged that despite having two MPO-enlisted teachers for Sociology, five part-time teachers have been retained for the subject. Complainants maintain that the student count in that department is lower than required to justify such staffing.

Irregularities regarding membership in the institution's managing committee have also been reported. Complainants claim that even after a guardian member's child left the institution to study elsewhere, that member remained on the committee for several months and attended meetings.

Furthermore, allegations have emerged showing expenses of BDT 40,000 to BDT 50,000 per meeting under the guise of honorariums and entertainment for managing committee assemblies. Complainants argue that the validity, source, and utilization of such expenditure require a thorough audit.

BCSIR School and College also faces allegations of accepting funds from guide book publishing companies. The complaint states that nearly BDT 300,000 was taken from one guide book company in 2025, and over BDT 350,000 was collected from another firm in 2026.

Although these funds were reportedly collected under the pretext of creating a teachers' fund, complainants have raised questions regarding the transparency of their accounting and usage.

Additionally, there are allegations that students were encouraged or compelled to purchase guide books from specific publishers, with internal examination question papers subsequently formulated based on those books.

Further complaints point to irregularities in the institution's procurement and financial administration. Expenses were allegedly recorded using fake bills and vouchers, with accounts finalized without the effective participation of the relevant oversight committees.

Complainants have demanded an inspection of the institution's bank accounts, bills, vouchers, resolutions, and other financial records to investigate these matters.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a teacher from the institution suggested that vacant post data may have been concealed deliberately to prolong the tenure of part-time teachers. Additionally, the teacher alleged that multiple sections were kept operational despite lacking the required student numbers.

Another teacher commented that institutional funds are meant to be spent on student education, infrastructure, and other essential needs. When allegations of irregularities arise regarding salaries, recruitment, guide books, managing committee meetings, or procurement, the impact falls upon both teachers and students alike. The teacher emphasized that these matters warrant an impartial investigation.

Attempts were made to contact Md. Jafor Ullah, acting Headmaster of BCSIR School and College, via telephone multiple times regarding the allegations, but he did not answer the calls. Subsequently, messages detailing the allegations were sent via WhatsApp, but no response was received.

Director General of DSHE, Professor Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, stated that the complaints filed against BCSIR School and College have not yet reached his office. Once the formal complaint is received, the matter will be verified and necessary measures will be taken.

As the allegations remain under investigation, the claims made against anyone cannot be viewed as established fact at this stage. The true picture will emerge only after verifying the relevant documents, financial records, and recruitment data.