Only six students at Pirganj's Gurjipara girls' school, against 11 teachers and staff

Serious questions have been raised over teaching and administrative management at Gurjipara Girls' High School in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur.

The school's documents show 120 students and 11 teachers and staff, but a visit found only six students present, with eight teachers and staff there.

When the school was visited last week, the office assistant locked the main gate and slipped away before noticing the presence of media workers.

The head teacher's room was also found locked, in addition to the main gate. Laptops allocated by the government for digital education were lying still packed.

When the attendance register was requested, the teachers on duty said the head teacher had kept it locked in her own room.

At that time, neither head teacher Nure Chhabi, nor the physical education teacher, nor the head teacher's husband could be found at the school.

Although 11 teachers and staff at the school regularly draw government pay and allowances, the real picture of student attendance and teaching in class is deeply disappointing, it has been alleged.

The school's SSC results have also caused concern. In 2025, the school's only SSC candidate passed. In 2026 as well, the number of SSC candidates was just one.

Despite a student crisis lasting for years, no effective initiative by the authorities to increase student numbers or improve the quality of education has been seen, it has also been alleged.

Local resident Abdul Khaleque expressed anger, saying this girls' school is extremely important for the education of girls in the area, but because the learning environment is not good, parents do not want to send their children there.

Abdul Khaleque said four of the institution's eight teachers belong to the same family: the head teacher's husband is the physical education teacher, her brother is the office assistant cum computer operator, and her brother's daughter is the aya. He alleged the institution has turned into a family establishment, pushing the quality of education to rock bottom.

Another local resident, Maidul Islam, said that despite a long-running student crisis, the institution has been kept nominally alive by managing senior officials. He said an administrative investigation and strict action are needed before the school faces closure.

When head teacher Nure Chhabi was contacted by mobile phone over the allegations, her husband and physical education teacher Mahfuzar Rahman, alias Fine, received the call. He said, "We are at the district council." Asked about the allegations, he said: "Do whatever you can. I cannot say anything."

Pirganj Upazila Secondary Education Officer Abdur Rahman said the matter would be investigated and necessary action taken if irregularities are proved.

Pirganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abdullah Al Bakiul Bari said he would quickly direct the upazila secondary education officer to take specific action against irregularities at the school.