Primary Schools: North claims most awards

Educational institutions from northern districts claimed most of the awards, including those for the best school and best headteachers in this year's National Primary Education Awards.

Subrata Khajanchi Government Primary School in Dinajpur's Chirirbandar upazila was named the Best Primary School in the country. Md Mostafa Kamal, head-teacher of Padmapara Govt Primary School in Bogura's Gabtali upazila, and Shiuli Sultana of Subordinate Colony Government Primary School in Nilphamari's  Syedpur, were awarded Best Head-teacher in male and female categories respectively.

The awards were presented yesterday at the inauguration of the National Primary Education Week 2025, held at the Directorate of Primary Education in Dhaka.

This year's event is being held with the theme "Ensure quality education, Build a Discrimination-Free Bangladesh."

A total of 150 awards were conferred, including 42 to individuals and institutions, and 108 to students for outstanding performances in sports, cultural activities, and subject-based quizzes.

Officials from the northern districts also dominated the individual award categories.

Sherpur's Md Obaidullah was named Best District Primary Education Officer, Muhammad Rafiqul Islam of Tangail PTI as the Best PTI Superintendent, and Md Zakir Hossain Sarkar of Syedpur upazila as the Best Upazila Education Officer.

In the institutional categories, Rajshahi PTI was selected as the Best Primary Teachers' Training Institute, while Md Kamruzzaman of Rajshahi PTI was awarded the Best PTI Instructor. Md Masud Karim from Dimla, Nilphamari, was named Best Upazila Resource Centre Instructor.

Educators from some other regions were also recognised. Md Inam Ullah Khan of Sreemangal's Sharerganj Govt Primary School, and Farzana Islam of Hasania Government Primary School in Jamalpur Sadar were conferred awards for Best Assistant Teacher in male and female categories respectively.

Students who secured first, second, and third places in different categories received cash prizes of Tk 30,000, Tk 25,000, and Tk 20,000 respectively, along with medals and certificates. Individuals and institutional awardees received Tk 50,000 each, along with medals or crests and certificates.

Since 1985, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has been awarding the Primary Education Medal to encourage innovation and recognise significant contributions to the development of primary education.

The event was presided over by Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, primary education adviser.