Dhaka: Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder announced today that the government is actively contemplating granting a higher pay grade to primary school teachers. He conveyed this information during a meeting with journalists at the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education’s conference room.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Bidhan highlighted that approximately 65,000 headmasters across the nation have already been promoted to the 10th grade in the pay scale. The government is earnestly considering extending a higher grade to assistant teachers as well. He emphasized that teachers need not resort to protests to secure this gradation, as the government’s decision was positively received by nine organizations during a recent meeting.
Dr. Bidhan also unveiled plans for the Diploma in Primary Education (DPEd) programme, set to launch in January 2026 under the Ministry’s supervision and managed by the National Academy for Primary Education (NAPE). The programme will initially be piloted in 12 Primary Teachers Training Institutes (PTIs) across the country, including locations like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi, among others.
The 10-month DPEd programme will be non-residential, conducted in the afternoon, and open to permanent citizens of Bangladesh who meet specific academic criteria. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA, and no third division or equivalent grades will be accepted. Candidates must also pass a 50-mark multiple-choice admission test to qualify.
The DPEd programme will encompass a comprehensive curriculum with a total assessment of 1200 marks and a credit load of 35. The curriculum includes theoretical subjects such as educational philosophy, teaching methods, and ICT in education, along with practical simulation sessions and school-based practice.
The adviser stressed that this programme will significantly enhance students’ skills, transforming them into skilled and modern educators. The training will bolster their research and analytical abilities, fostering professional growth and societal contributions, ultimately producing confident and responsible teachers.