Government Cracks Down on Influence-Peddling in Teacher Transfers, Ushers in New Era

The long-standing practice of influence-peddling and reliance on “DO letters” in the transfer of government college teachers is coming to an end. To eliminate opaque processes and favoritism, the government has introduced and implemented the “Government College Teacher Transfer/Posting Policy 2025.”

Under the new policy, teachers from lecturers to principals must apply for transfers online using a designated form. Applications can be submitted every three months, with a maximum of five preferred institutions listed. A dual-authority system involving the Ministry of Education and the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) will evaluate applications. The Ministry expects this process to ensure transparency, accountability, and an end to delays. According to the Ministry of Education, teachers must update their Personal Data Sheet (PDS) and submit applications through www.shed.gov.bd, www.dshe.gov.bd, or www.emis.gov.bd. Applications submitted through paper, email, DO letters, or political influence will not be accepted. Such attempts will be considered “misconduct,” with administrative action taken against violators. The policy specifies that transfer and posting decisions for associate professors, professors, vice-principals, and principals will be made by the Ministry of Education, including for colleges in Dhaka, divisional cities, and Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Cumilla City Corporations. Transfers and postings for lecturers and assistant professors in other regions will be handled by DSHE. Dr. Md. Masud Khan Rana, Member-Secretary of the BCS (General Education) Cadre Association, said, “This policy ends influence-driven, irregular, and biased practices in teacher transfers, paving the way for a transparent, accountable, and tech-driven system. It will ensure equal opportunities for talented teachers.” Teachers have welcomed the initiative. An assistant professor from Dhaka, speaking anonymously, said, “The online process ensures equal opportunities for all, which is a timely decision.” A female lecturer from Chattogram added, “A transfer system without influence-peddling was unimaginable, but now it feels like real change is here. We hope the government remains committed to implementing this policy.”