Probe finds no molestation at Mohammadpur school

Amid protests over alleged sexual assault of a grade-I student of Mohammadpur Preparatory Higher Secondary School, the probe committee formed by the school authorities has said no such incident took place at the institution.

The probe report, however, says a male staff gagged the student, brandished a knife and took her to a quiet place inside the school compound on the afternoon of May 5. The girl had punched him in the abdomen and fled.

Her mother verbally informed the school authorities about the incident on May 9.

Mostafizur Rahman, head of the three-member probe body, last night said based on the student's statement, they identified the staff as Gopal, a cleaner of the elementary wing of the school.

He added that they recommended sacking the staff “permanently” and taking steps as per the law for “threatening” the girl.

The probe body comprising two teachers and the father of the student submitted the report at a board meeting last evening.

Gopal was removed temporarily on Saturday following allegations from guardians.

The school authorities also suspended rector Zeenatun Nesa of the girls' section for making derogatory comment on the sexual assault allegation and for not cooperating with the guardians when they inquired about the incident.

Wishing anonymity, a teacher of the boys' wing said this was not the first allegation of sexual assault at the school.

A chemistry teacher was suspended six months back after guardians of a female student alleged that he harassed her sexually at his home when she went to take lessons, he added.

Meanwhile, the authorities at a press briefing on the school premises where claimed that “several outsiders” took part in Saturday's protest along with guardians and former students.

They physically assaulted the school's principal and some of the students, said M Tamim, a member of the trustee board.