The government plans to require 18 years of teaching experience to become the head of many private educational institutions in Bangladesh. The decision affects posts such as principal, vice principal, head teacher, and assistant head teacher.
The decision was discussed on Tuesday at a meeting of the Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education, Bangladesh. Officials said a policy outlining the new rule will be issued soon.
If approved, the new requirement will apply to private schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions. Authorities believe the rule will ensure that more experienced teachers hold senior leadership posts.
Officials from the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) said the change may affect many current applicants. Nearly half of those who already applied may not meet the new experience requirement.
Because of this, the ministry is reviewing how to handle the existing applications. Two possible options are now under discussion.
One option is to continue with the current recruitment process. In that case, candidates who fail to meet the new requirement would be excluded from the examination.
The second option is to cancel the current process and invite new applications under the updated rules. Authorities are also considering refunding application fees to candidates who become ineligible.
An official from the education ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a final decision has not yet been made.
“No final decision has been taken about the applicants,” the official told The Daily Campus. “We are working with two options. We will either hold the examination with eligible candidates or invite new applications. One option will be finalised soon.”
Previously, the required teaching experience for these posts ranged between 12 and 15 years. Officials said the lower requirement encouraged many younger teachers to apply.
According to ministry sources, appointing less experienced teachers to senior posts could create management problems inside institutions. The proposed rule aims to ensure that senior teachers receive priority in leadership roles.
The ministry is expected to announce its final decision on the recruitment process in the coming days.
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