<i>7 MPO listed teachers for only 3 students</i>
Four lecturers and three demonstrators, all receiving salary and other benefits under the government's monthly payment order (MPO), are serving for three science students of Mirzapur Degree College in Chatmohar upazila under the district.
The situation appears as a striking contrast against the backdrop of teacher shortage in a large number of educational institutions, especially in the rural areas.
A girl is studying as the lone science student in intermediate first year while there are only two second year students in the same group at Mirzapur Degree College, said college sources.
In 2010, two students appeared in the HSC examinations from science group and one of them passed.
Four science lecturers including one each in physics, chemistry, botany and mathematics departments are working in the college. Besides, there are three demonstrators for science subjects.
"Students are less interested to study science. We are trying to increase the number of science students in the coming session," said Md Saidur Rahman, acting principal of the college.
However, expressing satisfaction over good number of students in humanities and commerce groups, he said there are a total of 542 students in intermediate and degree classes while 51 teachers and two librarians are working in the college.
When contacted, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC -- Education) Md Abdur Rouf said, "Enrolment of at least 25 students is required to get the MPO approval for teachers. We will investigate the matter and take proper initiative through the authorities concerned.”
Established in 1994 at Mirzapur village in Chatmohar upazila, 15 kilometres away from the upazila headquarters, Mirzapur Degree College was listed for MPO in 2001.
All the teachers having MPO were included in the list during the tenure of founder principal Md Jamal Uddin, said Saidur Rahman.
Jamal Uddin, who was suspended on charge of misappropriating Tk 16 lakh from the college fund last year, said, "When the science teachers were included in the MPO list there were more than 25 science students at the college."
He refuted the allegation against him and blamed 'conspiracy' of some teachers of the college for "degradation of academic atmosphere leading to the present situation".
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