Head Teacher Climbs Tree to Submit Online Attendance Amid Network Crisis in Remote Rangamati
Rangamati, June 15, 2026: The first day of the government's online attendance system for primary school teachers highlighted the persistent connectivity challenges in remote areas when a headmaster in Rangamati's Baghaichhari upazila was forced to climb a tree on top of a hill to access a mobile network and submit his attendance.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users criticizing the state of mobile network coverage in remote regions of the country.
According to local reports, Mohammad Abu Taher, Head Teacher of Pakujjochhari Government Primary School in Rupkari Union, faced significant difficulties in complying with the new online attendance requirement due to the lack of mobile network coverage at his school.
Abu Taher explained that the school is located in a low-lying area between two hills, approximately 300 to 400 feet below the surrounding terrain, making mobile connectivity virtually unavailable within the school premises.
“I could not get any network signal even after climbing onto the school roof,” he said. “Later, I went to the top of a nearby hill and tried several locations, but still could not establish a connection. Finally, I climbed a mango tree, where I was able to receive a signal and send a photograph of the attendance register to the Upazila Education Officer via WhatsApp.”
He added that the process took considerable time and effort.
“I somehow managed to get network coverage from a tree branch. Since the attendance photograph was submitted late, I was also reprimanded,” he said.
When asked why he took such a risk, Abu Taher replied, “I work to support my family. To keep my job, I have to comply with the requirements. If I lose my job, how will I provide for my family?”
A photograph showing the teacher perched on a mango tree while searching for a network signal quickly went viral on social media, prompting public debate over the practicality of implementing online attendance systems in areas lacking reliable telecommunications infrastructure.
Acting Upazila Primary Education Officer Sanchayan Chakma said that out of the 116 government primary schools in Baghaichhari, online attendance was successfully received from 88 schools on the first day of implementation.
Attendance records from the remaining 28 schools, involving 83 teachers, could not be collected through the online system.
“Schools located in areas with 4G network coverage were able to submit attendance online,” he said. “Teachers in network-deprived areas informed us through mobile messages. We hope the attendance submission rate will improve in the coming days.”
The incident has renewed concerns about digital service implementation in remote and hilly regions, where network coverage remains limited despite ongoing efforts to expand connectivity.
//DBTech/CNI/EK/OR//
