The government plans to introduce a special allowance for teachers working in char and remote areas, based on school location, travel distance, transport facilities and degree of remoteness.

Primary and Mass Education State Minister Bobby Hajjaj announced the plan while speaking as chief guest at a daylong training workshop in Rangpur on 29 August. The allowance is intended to encourage teachers to work in remote areas, he said.

Hajjaj said the government needs to redefine which areas qualify as genuinely remote and what benefits teachers and officials there should receive. The workshop discussed identifying such areas based on ground realities with support from local administration. Field-level opinions and recommendations will be compiled and sent to relevant authorities for further decisions.

The government is also taking practical measures to improve facilities for teachers in remote areas and reduce regional disparities to ensure quality primary education, he said.

On administrative reform, he called for clearer responsibilities and decision-making powers at every level, adding that field officials must be able to make quick and appropriate decisions based on local conditions. 

“The ultimate destination of all activities of primary education administration is the school and classroom,” he said, adding that reform benefits must be visible in children’s learning environment.

From next year, the government plans to introduce a ‘Science Toy’ programme in primary schools on a pilot basis to develop children’s scientific thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills through play and hands-on learning. Eight sports activities will be made compulsory under the new curriculum to promote the physical and mental development of children, he stated.

Hajjaj warned of strict action against teachers who use proxies to conduct classes, saying irregularities and negligence in ensuring teacher attendance and regular classroom teaching would not be tolerated.