A total of 163 government primary school teachers in Sylhet district have faced departmental action for remaining absent without taking official leave.

The growing trend has led to widespread teacher shortages, affecting classroom learning in several upazilas.

According to the Sylhet District Primary Education Office, from January 2024 to September 2025, departmental action was taken against 163 teachers for unauthorised long-term absence. Of these, 140 cases have been resolved, with most of the teachers dismissed from service, while the remaining cases are still under investigation.

Data from the Primary Education Office shows the highest number of absentee teachers came from Bishwanath 24.

Other upazila-wise figures include:  20 in Beanibazar upazila, 16 in Sylhet Sadar, 11 in Balaganj, 4 in Fenchuganj, 12 in Golapganj, 16 in Zakiganj, 7in  Kanaighat, 4 in Jaintapur, 10 in Gowainghat, 1 in Companiganj, 18 in South Surma and 20 in Osmaninagar.

Sources say many of the teachers went abroad using travel or work visas without resigning, leaving schools understaffed. Recruitment of new teachers has also been stalled due to the vacancies not being officially declared or processed in time.

Shakhawat Ershed, director of the Sylhet District Primary Education Office, said  action has been taken against teachers who are absent for more than 60 days without approved leave.

He added that 788 head teacher posts and 750 assistant teacher posts are currently vacant in the district, compounding the staffing crisis in primary schools.